Dhaka, May 27 -- The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Tuesday acquitted Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam in a case over crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.

A seven-member bench of the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order.

Earlier on April 22, the Appellate Division stayed the hearing of a review petition submitted by Azharul Islam in the case till May 6.

Following his arrest, Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azhar faced nine charges of crimes against humanity.

According to the chargesheet, he was "responsible" for killing 1,256 people, abducting 17, and raping 13 women during the Liberation War in Rangpur region.

Besides, he was said to have tortured civilians, set...