Dr. Richard Benkin is asking that letters on behalf of Muslim Journalist Salah Choudhury now be sent to:
His Excellency
Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed
Honorable President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Banga Bhaban
Dhaka-1000
Fax: 880-2-9566593
The other letter is to your elected representatives in Congress and the Senate. We are gaining tremendous momentum, despite the proximity of the elections. If your constituency all have the same representatives, then of course, the impact is even greater. If that is the case, who are your Senators and Representatives; I might be able to tell you if they have expressed support already or are working with Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) on this.
I am appending two sample letters
Richard
Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
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Dear ___________,
As our nation faces the threat that terrorism and radicalism pose, we frequently ask, “Where are the moderate Muslims who will oppose the people are using their religion as a cover for their heinous acts?” Well, there is one, in Bangladesh, and he needs our help. Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, a Muslim journalist, was arrested and tortured in 2003 after he published articles warning his country about the rising threat of radical Islam and terrorism, urged Bangladesh to recognize Israel, and advocated real interfaith dialogue and religious equality. After 17 months, he was freed thanks to the efforts of Dr.
Richard Benkin of Chicago and US Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL). Unfortunately, the sedition charge against him was not dropped, contrary to repeated promised by the Bangladeshi government.
Recently, he has been attacked, threatened, and forced to go into hiding until yesterday. Today, the government started his sedition trial for the above “offenses.” His fate lies in the hands of an openly Islamist judge who upbraided him “for praising Christianity and Judaism.” If convicted, this pro-American, pro-Israel Muslim could face the death penalty. He and his family–like other oppressed Muslims worldwide–look to the United States for help. As your constituent, I urge you to add your voice to the growing number of US lawmakers who are pressing the State Department and the Administration to act to save this man. I also urge you to send a strong letter of protest to the Bangladesh government. I also ask that you join with your other colleagues in supporting legislation and other actions to bring the moral weight of the United States to bear in this important case.
__________, without your help, this brave man might be murdered by the radicals; and throughout the Muslim world, others are watching this case to see what becomes of him. If we allow him to go down, they will remain silent. If we protect him, they will be emboldened to speak out. You can find out more about this by contacting Congressman Kirk’s office or Dr. Richard L. Benkin at 847-922-6426 or drrbenkin@comcast.net.
Sincerely,
And here is one for the Bangladesh government:
Dear Excellency Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed,
I am outraged at your country’s mistreatment of journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, and the continued violation of his human rights. As a American citizen committed to protecting human rights worldwide, I must strongly protest your deplorable actions in this case and demand that you drop the false charges against him immediately and secure his safety from the vile actions of radicals and even members of your own goverment. I have urged my elected Representatives to hold the government of Bangladesh responsible if any harm comes to this courageous man whose actions are doing more to bring the world a postive view of Islam than are those who seek to silence him.
It has always been our understanding that the people of Bangladesh were a tolerant people committed to an open society. Please help your people reclaim their heritage and stop this persecution of Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury. To do otherwise would give honor to the worst elements in your society and spurn the finest elements.
Sincerely,
