Published: 12:14 AM, 26 August 2026
CJA condemns detaining journalists under shown arrested setups
The Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) has condemned and expressed concern over the arrest of journalists Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa in a case filed under the International Crimes Tribunal on charges of crimes against humanity.
The international journalists' organization believes that the allegations brought against the three journalists do not constitute crimes against humanity.
The International Crimes Tribunal on Monday ordered that the three journalists be shown arrested and sent to jail in a case filed over alleged incitement to killings and torture during the July uprising.
Shyamal Dutta is a former general secretary of the National Press Club and editor of Bhorer Kagoj. Mozammel Babu is the former editor-in-chief of Ekattor Television, while Farzana Rupa is a former chief reporter of the same television station.
Regarding these alleged "provocative statements," the CJA said in its statement on Monday, "Among other matters, the case refers to a press conference held by then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban. It has been alleged that the journalists made 'provocative comments' while asking questions during that press conference.
"However, regardless of how controversial a question asked by a journalist to a political leader at a press conference may be, asking questions is a fundamental part of a journalist's professional duty. On that basis alone, such an act cannot be considered a crime against humanity."
The CJA believes that using the International Crimes Tribunal to prosecute journalists for performing their professional duties is creating an "extremely concerning precedent" for press freedom in Bangladesh.
