Somoy TV journalist beaten by lawyers inside Dhaka courtroom

A Somoy TV journalist was beaten by a group of lawyers while covering the bail hearing of journalist Monjurul Alam Panna, who was arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act, at a Dhaka courtroom this afternoon.

Journalist Asif Muhammad Siam was attacked inside the courtroom of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Hasib Ullah Pias. Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:55pm, shortly after Monjurul Alam was brought to the court wearing a helmet, handcuffs, and a bulletproof vest.

After Monjurul removed his helmet, he told police, "Why are you doing this? I am not your enemy."

Journalist Muktadir Rashid Romeo asked if he had been tortured in jail, to which Monjurul replied "no".

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Moments later, lawyer Muhiuddin reportedly verbally abused Muktadir for speaking, prompting the journalist to respond that only the judge can order someone to leave the courtroom.

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Assault and harassment of journalists must stop

Angered by this, the lawyer rushed at him, and Somoy TV journalist Siam stepped in to stop him. According to witnesses, Muhiuddin then struck Siam. The lawyer and several others dragged Siam outside, continuing to beat him. Siam was left bleeding before state lawyer Kayum Hossain intervened and took him to the witness stand for protection.

Muktadir was also forced out of the courtroom and verbally abused.

The judge left the courtroom briefly due to the chaos but returned at 3:25pm. After the hearing, the court rejected Monjurul's bail application.

Speaking to The Daily Star, journalist Siam said, "Several lawyers created a mob and attacked me in front of the judge without any reason. I demand justice for this incident."

Muktadir said, "The police were present but did not intervene. They just watched."

Lawyer Muhiuddin denied the allegations against him. "I did not assault anyone inside the courtroom," he told The Daily Star.

Dhaka Bar Association General Secretary Syed Nazrul Islam said he went to the scene after hearing of the incident and tried to calm both sides. He added that no official investigation committee has yet been formed.

Meanwhile, Court Reporters' Unity and Law Reporters Forum condemned the incident.