Editors’ Council calls for withdrawal of false, harassment cases against journalists

The Editors' Council on Wednesday called for the withdrawal of false and harassment cases filed against journalists.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, signed by its President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud, the Council said that since 5 August last year, numerous journalists across the country have been accused in false murder cases and other harassment suits.

It said many journalists remain in jail due to these cases, while others are being compelled to appear in court regularly. As a result, their normal professional activities are being severely hampered and the independent environment of the media is being undermined.

However, the Council said that if there are specific and evidence-based allegations against any journalist, those must be resolved under existing laws and through a transparent judicial process. Ensuring proper investigation and legal procedures is essential in the interest of justice, it added, but harassment and politically motivated cases are unacceptable.

The statement mentioned that the Council had repeatedly urged the interim government to take effective steps to withdraw false and motivated cases and to stop harassment of journalists. Although assurances were given that the cases would be reviewed and necessary action taken, no visible progress has been observed so far, it said.

The Editors’ Council strongly urged the newly elected government to treat the matter with utmost importance and take immediate initiatives to withdraw the false and harassment cases filed against journalists.

Reiterating its position, the Council said ensuring media freedom and professional safety is a fundamental commitment of a democratic state.