Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Bangladesh Rights Group Condemns Journalists’ Crimes Against Humanity Case
A court in Bangladesh has asked authorities to bring three journalists before it.
The case is connected to things they allegedly said or did as journalists during protests in July 2024.
Justice Makers Bangladesh in France says journalism and political disagreement should not be treated as crimes against humanity.
The group says such serious charges need strong, individual evidence.
It worries that journalists may stop reporting freely if they fear prosecution.
The group also criticized what it described as the use of the justice system for political retaliation and intimidation.
It asked international organisations to watch the proceedings closely.
It also urged foreign partners to defend free speech, fair trials, and journalist safety in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal ordered three journalists produced before it on August 24.
The case reportedly concerns statements and journalistic activities linked to the July 2024 protests.
Justice Makers Bangladesh in France condemned applying crimes-against-humanity charges to journalistic expression.
The group warned the proceedings could damage press freedom and encourage self-censorship in Bangladesh.
It urged international organisations and Bangladesh’s partners to monitor the case and raise due-process concerns.
- Who
- Journalists Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa are named in the case; Justice Makers Bangladesh in France criticized the proceedings.
- What
- Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal ordered the three journalists to be produced before it in a crimes-against-humanity case.
- When
- The tribunal issued the order earlier in the week and set August 24 for their appearance; the reported allegations relate to July 2024 protests.
- Where
- Bangladesh, with the statement from Justice Makers Bangladesh in France issued from Paris.
- Why
- The prosecution sought their appearance over alleged statements and journalistic activities connected with the protests.
- Tribunal
- Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal
- Journalists named
- Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa
- Scheduled appearance
- August 24
- Reported context
- Statements and journalistic activities linked to the July 2024 protests
- Criticising organisation
- Justice Makers Bangladesh in France
- Main concern
- Potential threats to press freedom, judicial independence, due process and journalist protection
- International appeal
- The organisation urged the United Nations, press-freedom groups and human-rights organisations to monitor the proceedings