KIOS supports Calls to Free Imprisoned Human Rights Defenders Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan
KIOS expresses solidarity with Odhikar, Khan and Elan and calls for their immediate release. On September 14th, Khan and Elan, members of the Bangladeshi NGO Odhikar, were sentenced to two years in prison under the Information and Communication Technology Act of 2006 by the Cyber Tribunal in Bangladesh. Following their the sentencing, they were detained in custody. The sentence is a severe violation of human rights.
Shocking culmination of prolonged attacks
Established in 1994, Odhikar has been at the forefront of defending human rights in Bangladesh.They collect information on forced disappearances, unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detentions, and the suppression of free speech and gatherings. The arrest and detention of Khan and Elan are part of a prolonged campaign of harassment against them by the Bangladesh Government.
KIOS supported the work of Odhikar from 2010 until 2014 and it faced severe harrasment already during that time. The situation worsened even more last year when Odhikar was denied the renewal of its NGO registration.
‘Today’s judgment is likely to have a chilling effect on human rights defenders and civil society organizations around the country,’ Odhikar stated after the sentences.
Ensuring justice for human rights defenders in Bangladesh
The international community, such as the International federation for Human Rights have already called for the release of Khan and Elan and European Union (EU) has also expressed concern about the situation. However, more concrete actions are needed to address the deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has been added by CIVICUS Monitor into the Human Rights Watchlist after the imprisonment of Khan and Elan, noting the worrying developments in the crackdown against human rights defenders and critical voices ahead of the upcoming elections.
The treatment of Khan and Elan while detained has been worrying and they have not been given divisions for 10 days. Their collegues have met with them and report that Khan and Elan spend their days reading books and are trying to survive as best they can. An appeal has been submitted to the High Court on 25th of September, stating that prosecution has completely failed to prove the charges brought against Khan and Elan.
KIOS stands in solidarity with Khan, Elan, and all human rights defenders in Bangladesh, joining calls for the Government of Bangladesh to release Khan and Elan and urges the international community to take firm stand to protect freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly in the country.
