CJA calls for release of four imprisoned journalists

The Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) has called for the immediate release of four imprisoned journalists in Bangladesh and a review of the cases filed against them.

In a statement issued, the organization expressed deep concern over the continued detention of CJA vice-president and editor of Bhorer Kagoj Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Haq Babu, Farzana Rupa and senior journalist of Ekattor TV Shakil Ahmed on Sunday.

The statement said, "Shyamol Dutta will appear before the High Court of Bangladesh next Tuesday. He has been charged with multiple murder cases." The organization believes that these charges have been brought against him as retaliation for journalism.

The CJA has called on the Bangladesh government to withdraw politically motivated cases against journalists in line with its declared commitment to protect media freedom and election promises. At the same time, the organization has demanded the immediate release of the journalists by withdrawing the cases in which there is no credible evidence.

The statement further said, “The journalists concerned have been detained for over 18 months in a murder case. Despite the passage of almost 600 days, no charge sheet has been filed against them and no credible evidence has been publicly presented. Such prolonged detention without due process raises serious questions about the rule of law, freedom of the press and protection of fundamental rights.”

The CJA further said, “It is worrying that reports are being received that political affiliations have played a greater role than proven criminal activities behind these arrests. Journalism should never be considered a crime based on political beliefs or professional relationships.”

The statement also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation of the detained journalists. It said, “Shyamol Dutta suffers from heart disease and severe sleep apnea, which require proper medical evaluation and care. Mozammel Haq Babu underwent a major surgery for prostate cancer in late 2023. But he is reported to have been deprived of the necessary follow-up care. In addition, the report that Farzana Rupa was kept in a condemnation cell designated for death row inmates for two weeks raises serious questions about her medical treatment and welfare.

The CJA commented that journalists, regardless of their editorial stance or political ideology, are entitled to due process, humane treatment and full protection of the law. Therefore, the organization calls on the relevant authorities to ensure justice is done fairly, transparently and without delay.

The statement further said, “A free and open media is one of the foundations of any democratic society. Keeping journalists in prison for long periods without timely presentation of evidence undermines trust in democratic institutions and weakens public faith in the judiciary.”