Israel Matzav

Choudhury trial date set for July 18

Arutz Sheva reports that Bangladeshi Muslim journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury was in court yesterday and that a new trial date of July 18 was set in his case. As I have reported previously, Choudhoury faces trial for sedition (a capital offense) for encouraging his Muslim country to have cordial relations with Israel. Choudhury was arrested several years ago as he was about to leave for a speaking engagement in Israel, and was imprisoned and tortured for seventeen months. When he was released from prison he was beaten by a mob led by ruling party officials. While the government has changed since then, and the current government is willing to drop the charges, the State Prosecutor is insisting on continuing to press charges. Choudhury's brother told Arutz Sheva that the charges against him stem from 'rumors originating in Saudi Arabia:

“His country proclaims that Shoaib’s support for Israel is treason because it is in opposition to their policy and that is blasphemous, a charge they find convenient……..He is on trial because he writes plainly about the danger of extremist madrassas teaching children as young as five to hate Jews and Israel…..Shoaib works tirelessly for interfaith understanding. Bangladesh considers this treason and blasphemy."

Read the whole thing.

Previously at Israel Matzav:

Journalist faces sedition trial in Bangladesh for planning to visit Israel

Choudhury's life in danger

Choudhury beaten by mob led by ruling party officials ; Most content apparently removed from Weekly Blitz site

Risking his life by speaking out: Interview with Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury

Choudhury trial in Bangladesh (includes video)

Labels: Bangladesh, Choudhury, Israel

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:32 PM