EP to debate on freedom of speech in Bangladesh
The European Parliament will have a debate today on a motion to adopt a resolution on freedom of expression and other rights issues in Bangladesh.
The 15-point motion, brought by the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D group) in the EP, expresses serious concern over "the violations of freedom of expression and free media coverage in Bangladesh."
The text of the motion, available on the EP website, is yet to be adopted as a resolution.
With reference to the "new media policy" published by the government on August 6, 2014, it says "elements of this policy impose limits on media freedom."
The group calls on the government to bring the Cyber-Security Act of 2015 and the Information and Communication Technology Act in line with "international free speech standards, and drop the criminalisation of 'anti-State' publications".
It strongly calls on the Bangladeshi authorities to launch a credible and transparent investigation into the killing of publishers, bloggers and foreign nationals and "to recognise and respect freedom of the press and media and to allow human rights groups to play an important role in strengthening accountability and documenting human rights abuses."
It asks the government to drop "all charges against editors and journalists who have published content critical of the government, allow the immediate opening of all media houses and social media services that were shut and immediately restore full and unhindered access to all forms of publications, including electronic ones."
It also asks the government "to allow international NGOs in the country to undertake their mission, including Amnesty International and Transparency International."
It urges the government "to launch an investigation into the extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances of opposition political activists in the country" and to release "all opposition political leaders that have been illegally detained for participating or being thought to be participating in protected speech and assembly."
It calls on the government of Bangladesh "to accept the call for a national dialogue from opposition political parties and civil society organisations on the current crises."
It asks the EU to review its trade relations with Bangladesh until it ensures the return of democratic governance in the country.
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