ARTICLE 19, a UK-based international human rights organization, applauds the Bangladesh authorities for clearing Rozina Islam of the charges made under the Official Secrets Act of 1923 on Wednesday.
The rights body promoting freedom of expression and the protection of journalists worldwide also hopes that the learned court would accept the final probe report submitted by the authorities in the case and acquit Rozina of this vexatious case in order to ensure justice for her, said the media statement.
According to the media report, the Investigation Officer of the case on July 4, 2022, submitted the final report to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court of Dhaka where he said no evidence was found against Rozina and the case was a matter of factual error.
In a statement sent to the media on Wednesday, Faruq Faisel, Regional Director for ARTICLE 19 South Asia, said: “We welcome the findings of the probe report and firmly believe Rozina will get justice from the court as well. The vexatious case has tarnished the image of the country in the international arena and called into question its commitment – as a UN member state - to upholding media freedom and protecting journalists.''
Faruq Faisel said: ‘‘The charges brought against Rozina are based on a law that should never have been used against journalists, as it impedes their right to access information.We demand action from the Government and the policymakers to abolish the Official Secrets Act of 1923.''
On May 17, 2021, Rozina, an investigative journalist was arrested, after a meeting at the Ministry of Health. Following her arrest, she was held for six hours in confinement, where she suffered physical and mental harassment.
Since then, Rozina has been facing charges of up to 14 years in prison or even the death penalty, although She walked out of jail on bail almost a week after her arrest.
However, filing the case against her drew flak from netizens and a cross-section of people. It also triggered strong protests from journalists and different local and international organizations.