“Outrageous” charges on journalists in Bangladesh; RSF condemns

Several charges have been pushed upon Bangladesh’s journalists since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5

Bangladesh has been experiencing disastrous times, one due to the devastating floods that have affected several states and another due to the socio-political unrest since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. However, reports suggest that even journalists in Bangladesh have been facing “outrageous” charges against them.

Several cases have been made against Bangladesh’s journalists.

It is reported that a Bangladeshi lawyer has filed a case at the International Crimes Tribunal against 52 people, including Sheikh Hasina and 27 leading journalists, for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide. However, condemning the same is Reporters Without Borders (RSF), calling it “outrageous” charges against the journalists, calling for the immediate release of the arrested journalists and dropping “unfolded” accusations.

Cases against journalists in Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh that happened on August 5, many cases have been filed against journalists in Bangladesh for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide. On Friday, in a statement, the Paris-based NGO, known for its work in defending press freedom and referring to the journalists’ arrest, said, “Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls for their immediate release and for these unfounded charges to be dropped. This systematic judicial harassment of journalists must end.”

What are the accusations against the journalists?

The complaint filed by the Bangladeshi lawyer alleges that the accused were involved in crimes against humanity and genocide during protests by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement that started in July with the demand for scrapping a controversial quota in government jobs.

Several criminal cases have also been filed in Bangladesh against former ministers, police, military officers, Awami League leaders, and those seen as close to the former premier and her party.