JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 23, 2019
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In the past week, three activists were arrested in Bangladesh under the country’s internet and digital security laws. The International Federation of Journalists strongly criticized the arrests and urged the authorities to show respect and protect freedom of speech as well as freedom of expression.
According to AFP, the three activists who have been arrested were prominent poet Henry Sawpon, lawyer, indigenous rights activist Imtiaz Mahmood and human rights activist Abdul Kaium. Kaium also edits an online news portal in his hometown northern city of
Mymensingh. Sawpon and Mahmood were released on bail Thursday. Kaium remains in detention on charges of extortion and defamation under the Digital Security Act 2018.
These were the first major arrests under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s new term of government, following her re-election in January. The Hasina government has been in power since 2009. Her government has been criticized over the use of the internet and digital security laws to silence her opponents and limit the freedom for civil society. Hasina has defended the law and said: “If there is no criminal mind, there is no reason to worry.”
The IFJ said: "We strongly criticize the arrests of three activists under the internet laws. We urge the authorities to guarantee the freedom of speech and freedom of expression. In any democratic system, both freedom of the speech as well as freedom of expression are the keystones. Activists and also citizens should not be arrested simply because they express their opinions.” – IFJ media release
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November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
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