In Bangladesh, the cybercrime law known as the Digital Security Act (DSA) is being used to suppress dissent and stifle press freedom.
It criminalizes a broad range of online speech offences, with maximum sentences ranging between five to ten years, or even a lifetime in jail for repeat offenders.
According to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bangladesh had 433 prisoners under the Digital Security Act as of 11 July 2021.
TrialWatch has been monitoring the trial of journalist Shafiqul Kajol, among other DSA cases. TrialWatch is also monitoring proceedings against photojournalist Shahidul Alam, who is being investigated under the DSA’s predecessor, the ICT Act. Our monitoring in Bangladesh is part of broader work to combat cybercrime laws in the region, including in Indonesia, Pakistan, and Malaysia.
The fact that I’m out here, talking to you, is dependent on the fact that there was a global campaign for my release. Many others were ‘disappeared’ without [anyone] knowing about them.
Bangladeshi Photojournalist
Soon after TrialWatch issued a press statement calling for the release of Shafiqul Kajol, a 52-year-old Bangladeshi photographer and editor of an independent news outlet, he was freed. Kajol is charged under Bangladesh’s draconian cybercrime law, the Digital Security Act, in three separate cases. The cases all relate to a story he shared on his Facebook page alleging a...
Bangladesh: Freedom for Photojournalist
Soon after TrialWatch issued a press statement calling for the release of Shafiqul Kajol, a 52-year-old Bangladeshi photographer and editor of an independent news outlet, he was freed. Kajol is charged under Bangladesh’s draconian cybercrime law, the Digital Security Act, in three separate cases. The cases all relate to a story he shared on his Facebook page alleging a sex scandal involving several high-ranking politicians from the ruling party.
TrialWatch is monitoring ongoing proceedings against Mr. Kajol.
“I feel extremely good [that my trial is being monitored] … It gives me a sense of hope, and it gives me some courage.”
Photographer and Editor
