Update 11/09/18: Today, Shahidul Alam was denied bail. He should never have been detained in the first place, since all he did was peacefully exercise his right to freedom of expression. Now, he is being subjected to prolonged detention for no justifiable reason whatsoever. Please keep taking action.
World-renowned photographer and social activist, Shahidul Alam, is facing 14 years in prison simply for giving a media interview.
His crime? Shahidul spoke with Al-Jazeera, criticising the Bangladesh government for its violent repression of popular student protests calling for safer roads in the wake of a tragic bus accident.
Shahidul photographed and live-streamed the protests, which saw more than 200 students injured by police. Five journalists covering the protests were also attacked by men in plainclothes wielding machetes and iron bars.
This is the Bangladesh government attempting to silence dissent.
On the night of 5 August, shortly after giving the interview, plainclothes police seized Shahidul from his Dhaka apartment. There are grave fears for Shahidul’s safety. When he appeared in court, Shahidul was injured and unable to walk. He has been moved to a hospital for treatment but remains in custody.
Police custody in Bangladesh is notorious for ill-treatment, torture and even death. We must urgently pressure authorities to unconditionally release Shahidul.
Shahidul’s work has won widespread global acclaim. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Melbourne's RMIT.
Let’s show Bangladeshi authorities that the world is watching. Please, sign the petition calling for Shahidul’s immediate and unconditional release.