Desk Report – Amnesty International has called on the Bangladeshi authorities to immediately drop all charges brought against journalists for their professional work. The international human rights organization made this urge in a statement issued on Thursday.
Smriti Singh, Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, said, “The Bangladeshi authorities must drop all charges against journalists that stem directly from their professional work. In line with international human rights obligations, they must protect and respect the rights to freedom of expression and media freedom.”
The rights body specifically called for the immediate withdrawal of charges brought before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against detained Ekattor TV journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu.
According to reports, these allegations are linked to a “misleading” report regarding the crackdown on protesters at Shapla Shapla Square in May 2013.
“The right to freedom of expression extends to information that some may find offensive, shocking, or disturbing. Respecting this right is essential for a healthy public discourse in a rights-respecting society. Journalists must not be targeted for their political affiliations or perceived opinions,” Smriti Singh stated.
The statement further noted that Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Haq are already in detention. Filing vague charges against them based on a decade-old news report and arresting them under crimes against humanity is a direct violation of the fundamental principles of press freedom. It sets a dangerous precedent that will deter journalists from working without fear.
Amnesty International also raised serious concerns over the judicial transparency and due process of the tribunal. The organization reiterated its unconditional stance against the death penalty under any circumstances.
Notably, both journalists were detained following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year and were subsequently shown arrested in various cases.