Rights groups demand Bangladesh drop charges against journalists

Human rights organizations are calling on Bangladesh authorities to immediately drop charges against two journalists accused of crimes against humanity. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Amnesty International stated that the charges against Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu of Ekattor Television are unacceptable.

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Charging journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu with crimes against humanity for doing their work is simply unacceptable.

Prosecutors at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) have formally charged the journalists, along with 39 others, in connection with a 2013 crackdown on a Hefazat-e-Islam rally in Dhaka. The charges stem from a documentary produced by Rupa, allegedly on Babu's instructions, which questioned the reported death toll during the crackdown. Investigators claim 58 people died across four districts.

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Authorities must drop the charges and break the cycle of partisan political vendettas against the press.

The CPJ expressed concern that the journalists could face the death penalty if convicted. They also noted that the ICT case could allow authorities to detain the journalists even if bail is granted on other charges. Amnesty International emphasized that journalists should not be targeted for their opinions or perceived political affiliations.

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journalists must not be targeted for opinions that are disagreeable or for their perceived political links.

Rupa and Babu have been in custody since 2024 on separate murder charges related to mass protests. While the High Court granted them bail, the Appellate Division has stayed those orders. The ICT case adds another layer of legal jeopardy for the journalists, who are already facing serious accusations.

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The ICT charges against Rupa and Babu must be immediately withdrawn.