The Nobel prize winner has joined a number of global intellectuals who have already voiced support for Shahidul, demanding the photographer’s release
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has issued a statement in support of veteran photographer Shahidul Alam, who was arrested on August 5 following his Facebook posts on student demonstrations demanding safe roads and the violence that ensued.
Sen has joined a number of global intellectuals who have already voiced support for Shahidul, demanding his release, reports UNB.
“Freedom of expression, including through photojournalism, is extremely important for democracy. We have good reason to admire the work that Shahidul Alam has been doing with great skill and courage for many years,” Sen told a group of Indian photographers who are running a campaign in support of Alam on Saturday, reports an magazine Outlook India.
“His work should receive praise and appreciation, rather than being ground for harsh treatment,” added the Nobel laureate.
Noam Chomsky, Arundhati Roy, PEN International, several photography associations and press bodies, including RSF and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have already extended their support to Shahidul, founder of Drik and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute.
Police detained Shahidul on the night of August 5 and he was remanded for a week on charges of spreading propaganda and false information against the government.
He was accused of using electronic media to instigate disorder and spread fabricated information and rumours via social media and during an interview with Al Jazeera, when the country was witnessing a student movement for road safety.
Source: Dhaka Tribune.
