Bangladesh journalists face crimes against humanity charges

The human rights organization Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has condemned the decision by Bangladeshi authorities to implicate three journalists in a crimes against humanity case. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered jail authorities to produce journalists Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Babu, and Farzana Rupa before the tribunal on August 24.

The case reportedly stems from journalistic activities and statements related to the July 2024 protests in Bangladesh. JMBF described the attempt to apply the label of “crimes against humanity” to journalistic speech, commentary, and editorial positions as “deeply alarming.”

The rights group argued that such allegations must be supported by credible, individualized evidence meeting international legal standards. JMBF warned that prosecuting journalists for political disagreement or controversial expression could lead to inevitable self-censorship and pose serious consequences for press freedom in the country.