Commonwealth Journalists Association condemns continued detention of three journalists in Bangladesh

The Commonwealth Journalists Association has condemned the continued detention of three senior Bangladeshi journalists in a “crimes against humanity” case linked to the July 2024 Uprising.

The CJA said the International Crimes Tribunal's decision on Monday to keep Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Haq Babu and Farzana Rupa in custody until their trial was “extremely disturbing” for press freedom in Bangladesh.

Dutta is a former editor of Bhorer Kagoj and a vice-president of the CJA. Babu is managing director and editor-in-chief of Ekattor TV, while Rupa is the channel's chief correspondent.

The journalists are accused in a case that, according to the prosecution, includes allegations over a Jul 14, 2024 press conference by then prime minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban, her official residence.

The prosecution has alleged that journalists made “provocative remarks” while questioning Hasina during the press conference.

The CJA said questioning a political leader at a press conference, regardless of how contentious the questions may be, is a fundamental part of a journalist's professional duty and “cannot, in itself, constitute a crime against humanity”.

It warned that using an International Crimes Tribunal to prosecute journalists over their professional conduct could set a troubling precedent for press freedom.

The association said journalists should be held accountable for genuine criminal acts where credible evidence exists, but should not be criminalised simply for asking questions, reporting events or being perceived as politically sympathetic to a particular side.

The CJA also raised concerns about the journalists' prolonged detention and said there were serious questions over the evidence against them and the reported failure to file chargesheets substantiating the original allegations within the prescribed legal framework.

It highlighted their medical needs, saying Dutta has documented cardiac and severe sleep apnoea conditions requiring treatment, while Babu underwent major prostate cancer surgery in late 2023 and reportedly requires continuing medical care.

The CJA urged the government and judicial authorities to review the proceedings urgently, ensure due process and credible evidentiary standards, and release the journalists unless there is clear evidence of an independently established criminal offence.

“The independence of the media is not a privilege granted by governments. It is an essential condition of a democratic society,” the association said.