Journalists demand lawyers be brought to justice over Dhaka court assault

They also urge authorities to ensure the safety of journalists working inside the court premises

The Court Reporters Unity (CRU) has condemned the assault on Somoy TV journalist Asif Mohammad Siam inside a Dhaka courtroom, demanding the lawyers involved be brought to justice.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the CRU expressed concern and anger over the incident, describing the attack as “a deliberate attempt not only to humiliate and intimidate the journalist but to undermine the entire media community”.

“It is a direct violation of the constitutional right to a free press and news gathering,” it added.

The attack took place inside the courtroom of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Hasib Ullas Piyas, where lawyer Mohiuddin Mahi and his associates physically assaulted Siam. The journalist was beaten, punched and kicked repeatedly.

In protest, the association of reporters working in Dhaka’s lower courts has demanded that those involved be identified without delay and legal action be brought against them.

The CRU has also urged the court administration, law-enforcing agencies and relevant authorities to take “effective” steps to ensure the safety of journalists covering court proceedings.