Amnesty International urges withdrawal of charges against journalists

Amnesty International has called on Bangladeshi authorities to withdraw all charges brought against journalists over their professional work.

In a statement issued, the rights organisation urged the government to ensure press freedom and protect the right to freedom of expression in line with international human rights obligations on Thursday (May 21).

Smriti Singh, South Asia Regional Director of Amnesty International, said, “Bangladesh authorities must drop all charges against journalists brought solely because of their professional work. The authorities must protect and respect media freedom and freedom of expression in accordance with international human rights obligations.”

The organisation also demanded the immediate withdrawal of charges filed at the International Crimes Tribunal against jailed journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu of Ekattor Television.

According to the statement, the charges stem from what Amnesty described as a “misleading” report related to the crackdown on protesters at Shapla Chattar in May 2013.

Smriti Singh said freedom of expression also applies to information that some people may find offensive, disturbing or uncomfortable.

“In a rights-respecting society, respect for this freedom is essential to ensuring healthy public debate. Journalists should not be targeted because of their political affiliation or differing opinions,” she said.

The statement further noted that Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu are already imprisoned and are now facing additional vague allegations linked to a decade-old news report.

Amnesty International said prosecuting journalists for crimes against humanity over their reporting contradicts fundamental principles of press freedom and sets a dangerous precedent that could hinder journalists from working without fear.

The organisation also expressed concern over judicial transparency and due legal process at the tribunal, reiterating its longstanding opposition to the death penalty.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the two journalists were detained and later shown arrested in multiple cases.