The Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) has strongly condemned the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for sending three senior journalists to jail in connection with a 'crimes against humanity' case linked to the July 2024 demonstrations. The London-based press freedom group warned that prosecuting journalists for their professional conduct sets a deeply troubling precedent for media freedom in Bangladesh.

Who the three journalists are

The journalists named in the case are Shyamal Dutta, editor of Bhorer Kagoj; Mozammel Babu, Managing Director and editor-in-chief of Ekattor TV; and Farzana Rupa, chief correspondent at Ekattor TV. All three were already in custody and were produced before the tribunal on Monday by jail authorities, after which they were formally shown arrested in the case, according to local media reports.

What the prosecution alleges

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim alleged that provocative statements made by the accused at a 14 July 2024 press conference led to then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 'Razakar' remarks, which subsequently sparked widespread protests, according to Bangladesh's leading newspaper The Daily Star.

CJA's sharp rebuke

The CJA did not mince words in its condemnation. 'The use of an International Crimes Tribunal to prosecute journalists for their professional conduct sets an extremely disturbing precedent for press freedom in Bangladesh,' the group said. 'Journalists must be held accountable for genuine criminal acts where credible evidence exists, but they cannot be criminalised simply for asking questions, reporting events or being perceived as politically sympathetic to one side or another.'

The association also raised concern over what it described as prolonged detention without adequate evidentiary basis, noting that charge sheets substantiating the original allegations had reportedly not been filed within the prescribed legal framework.

Health concerns compound the crisis

The CJA flagged serious humanitarian concerns surrounding the continued incarceration of all three journalists. Dutta has documented cardiac and severe sleep apnoea conditions requiring medical assessment and treatment. Babu underwent major surgery for prostate cancer in late 2023 and reportedly requires continuing medical care. 'These circumstances make the continued incarceration of the three journalists all the more troubling,' the CJA stated.

What the CJA is demanding

The association called on the government of Bangladesh and judicial authorities to review the proceedings against Dutta, Babu, and Rupa with utmost urgency, ensure due process and credible evidentiary standards, and release them unless there is clear and demonstrable evidence of an independently established criminal offence. 'The independence of the media is not a privilege granted by governments. It is an essential condition of a democratic society,' the CJA noted. The case is being closely watched by international press freedom organisations as Bangladesh's media landscape faces mounting scrutiny.