UNB, Dhaka :
Law Reporters’ Forum (LRF) on Tuesday made a fervent appeal to the judiciary to be more tolerant and generous towards journalists facing charges of contempt of court.
In a joint statement, LRF president Saleh Uddin and its general secretary Wakil Ahmed Hiron came up with the plea following a suo moto contempt of court
rule issued by the High Court upon three journalists of vernacular daily Prothom Alo.
The statement said the journalists’ community in Bangladesh has always been vocal for the independence of the judiciary and also respectful towards its standing.
“Similarly, our expectation from the judiciary is that it would be conscious of the position of journalists and their right to freedom of expression,” it said.
The statement expressed grave concern over the remarks made by some lawyers urging the designated High Court division bench to keep the alleged contemnor-journalists standing whole day before it during the hearing.
It said such an attitude reflects colonial mindset and the outcome of any anger.
The statement further said: “It should be kept in mind that the sum and substance of justice does not mean to undermine or disrespect anyone. There might be flaws or errors in writings of journalists. We look forward to the scope for correcting the flaws or errors, if any, through court’s sage judgment and orders.
Law Reporters’ Forum (LRF) on Tuesday made a fervent appeal to the judiciary to be more tolerant and generous towards journalists facing charges of contempt of court.
In a joint statement, LRF president Saleh Uddin and its general secretary Wakil Ahmed Hiron came up with the plea following a suo moto contempt of court
rule issued by the High Court upon three journalists of vernacular daily Prothom Alo.
The statement said the journalists’ community in Bangladesh has always been vocal for the independence of the judiciary and also respectful towards its standing.
“Similarly, our expectation from the judiciary is that it would be conscious of the position of journalists and their right to freedom of expression,” it said.
The statement expressed grave concern over the remarks made by some lawyers urging the designated High Court division bench to keep the alleged contemnor-journalists standing whole day before it during the hearing.
It said such an attitude reflects colonial mindset and the outcome of any anger.
The statement further said: “It should be kept in mind that the sum and substance of justice does not mean to undermine or disrespect anyone. There might be flaws or errors in writings of journalists. We look forward to the scope for correcting the flaws or errors, if any, through court’s sage judgment and orders.
