US National Press Club, NPC Journalism Institute condemn Rozina’s arrest, demand her release
"At a time of international crisis, it's more important than ever to have independent watchdog reporters looking out for the public interest," said National Press Club President Lisa Nicole Matthews and NPC Journalism Institute President Angela Greiling Keane.
"The fact that government officials in Bangladesh are trying to silence a journalist only causes the world to wonder what they are trying to hide."
Vehemently condemning the harassment and arrest of Rozina Islam, South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders, has called on Bangladesh authorities to provide necessary facilities for her safety and wellbeing in detention until released.
In a statement jointly signed by SAHR Chairperson Dr Radhika Coomaraswamy and Co-Chairperson Dr Roshmi Goswami, it said under international human rights law, journalists cannot be vilified for their work and for exercising their freedom of speech.
"The government of Bangladesh must stop intimidating journalists and media personnel for doing their duty and using vague definitions from deeply flawed acts to harass and impose restrictions on critical voices."
SAHR has urged Bangladesh government to immediately drop all charges against Rozina Islam, to release her from custody, and to hold a prompt and impartial inquiry into the harassment allegations and to take action against those responsible.
"We further express our concerns regarding the use of the colonial-era Official Secrets Act and call upon the government to urgently review this act which is in clear violation of the right to freedom of expression and guarantees of fair trial enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh and in international human rights law."
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