Amnesty Int’l calls for release of detained artists, right to freedom of artistic expression

Amnesty International in a report published today said it was deeply concerned about the recent arbitrary detention and other forms of harassment of artists who are facing increasing attacks on their right to freedom of expression in Bangladesh.

"We call on the Bangladesh authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all artists unlawfully detained, drop the charges against them, and guarantee people's right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity, as enshrined in domestic and international law," the Amnesty report said.

The rights group also called on the Bangladeshi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release cartoonist Ahmed Kabir Kishore and writer Mushtaq Ahmed since they have been detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression, and drop all charges against artists Anonno Mamun, Shaheen Mridha, Rita Dewan, Kishore, and Mushtaq.

"We also call on the authorities to urgently repeal the Digital Security Act 2018 or substantially amend its repressive provisions. Bangladesh must uphold its obligations under international human rights law and guarantee the space of artistic and creative expression without the fear of retribution," the report added.