The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over an attack on three journalists while they were performing their professional duties in Shariatpur, as well as subsequent threats against journalists.
HRSS made the statement in a press release on Wednesday.
The organization said Daily Star Shariatpur and Madaripur correspondent Zahid Hasan Roni, News24 district correspondent Bidhan Majumder Ani and Dainik Edin correspondent Barkat Ullah were attacked on Tuesday while performing their professional duties in front of the Shariatpur deputy commissioner’s office.
According to the organization, a group of people, including district BNP Joint General Secretary Arifuzzaman Mollah, allegedly attacked the journalists. It also alleged that a journalist was later threatened when contacted for a comment on the incident.
HRSS said attacks on journalists, obstruction of their professional duties, confiscation of news-gathering equipment, forcing them to delete footage, and intimidation or threats constitute direct attacks on freedom of expression, press freedom and the public’s right to information.
“In a democratic state, no individual, political party or organization leader or activist has the right to physically attack or threaten journalists for publishing news,” the organization said.
HRSS said violence or threats against journalists by politically influential individuals not only endanger the targeted journalists but can also create an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship among other journalists. This, in turn, hampers independent journalism and undermines the public’s right to information.
The organization said objections to news reports should be addressed through lawful and peaceful means, such as issuing a protest letter with supporting evidence, filing a complaint with the relevant media authority or pursuing legal action.
“Attacks, threats, intimidation or coercion are unacceptable in any way,” it said.
HRSS called for a prompt, impartial and effective investigation into the allegations of attacks on journalists in Shariatpur.
It said that if the allegations of attacks, threats, obstruction of professional duties or seizure of journalists’ equipment are proven, those responsible must be brought to justice regardless of their political affiliation or position.
The organization also urged law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of journalists who face attacks and called on the government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards obstruction, intimidation and violence against journalists performing their professional duties.
HRSS further urged political parties’ top leadership to clearly instruct their leaders and activists to respect journalists’ right to work independently and uphold press freedom.
It said transparent investigations, accountability and effective trials must be ensured in every incident to end the culture of impunity surrounding attacks and threats against journalists.
“In a democratic and human rights-based state, journalists cannot be silenced through intimidation,” HRSS said, adding that protecting journalists’ safety means protecting the public’s right to know, freedom of expression and a key pillar of democracy.