Justice, Not Vigilantism: Bangladesh Feminist Archives Condemns Extrajudicial Killings Amidst Rising Sexual Violence
In the wake of the recent wave of crimes, such as rape or sexual assault, a worrying trend has emerged. A huge section of people online are advocating for crossfires, a form of extrajudicial killing for rapists and assaulters, as well as other forms of civilian extrajudicial killings, such as the “Hercules” – a mysterious vigilante reported to have murdered individuals accused of being rapists.
In light of the lawlessness, lack of accountability, delays in the judicial process, and incidents where known sexual offenders do not face proper investigation or punishment, it is natural for the general public to feel frustrated and demand immediate justice for rape and sexual assault victims.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives deeply sympathizes with the sentiment that perpetrators of such heinous crimes must face proper punishment. However, we must stress that crossfires and vigilantism are not better ways to ensure justice. Instead, resorting to such methods only reinforces the notion that the judicial system is broken and cannot serve justice.
Furthermore, such crossfires and extrajudicial killings have been used to justify political or religious murders by the state, as seen in the previous regime.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives stands against all forms of extrajudicial killings by law enforcement agencies and civilians. We urge the state to immediately take measures to reform and rebuild the judiciary system so that citizens can again trust government institutions to deliver proper justice.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 