DHAKA: Bangladesh — While Palestinians mourners buried 18 civilians killed by Israel’s recent shelling in Gaza, Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, editor of “The Weekly Blitz,” and Muslim believer, stands trial for multiple counts of sedition, treason and blasphemy for reporting on the rise of al-Qaeda in Bangladesh, publishing editorials in support of Israel, and for promoting peace between Muslims and Jews.
Choudhury has been beaten, tortured and imprisoned for his writings.
His trial convenes this Monday, Nov. 13. He faces a maximum penalty of death or 30 years imprisonment if found guilty.
Former terrorist and Hamas supporter, Walid Shoebat, is leading the charge for Choudhury’s freedom. A number of congressional leaders from the left and right have joined Shoebat in demanding Choudhury’s release.
“Courageous Muslims like Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury must be set free,” Shoebat said. “Bangladesh receives $60 million in U.S. aid every year. The United States needs to encourage brave Muslims to speak freely, and when they do, we should all stand behind them and protect their freedom of speech.”
Over 40 men attacked Choudhury and ransacked his office in Dhaka on Oct. 5. Leading members of the ruling Bangladesh National Party (BNP) were among his attackers. Despite the visible damage to his office and the numerous injuries he received, police refused to let Choudhury file a complaint.
While his attackers were exonerated, Choudhury was arrested for publishing articles on the rise of al-Qaeda in Bangladesh, for his editorials on Israel, and for his work in promoting peace among Muslims and Jews.
Choudhury is no stranger to political persecution. In 2003, he was arrested by security personnel in Dhaka, while en route to speak at a conference on “the role of media in establishing peace.” Because of the work of human rights activist Dr. Richard Benkin in the U.S., Choudhury was finally freed in April, 2005, after spending 17 months in solitary confinement where he was severely tortured and often beaten.
Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury and Walid Shoebat are available for interviews. Contact: M.Sliwa Public Relations, 973-272-2861 or msliwa@msliwa.com
M. Sliwa Public Relations
973-272-2861, 212-202-4453
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2006
CONTACT: Richard L. Benkin, Ph.D.; 847-922-6426;
Journalist’s Death Penalty Trial Begins Monday
Available for Interviews
DHAKA: Bangladesh-Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, the editor of the “Weekly Blitz” and practicing Muslim, goes on trial for his life on Monday, November 13, on counts of sedition, treason and blasphemy. Since 2003, he has been beaten, tortured and imprisoned for his work in fostering peace and opposing radical Islamists in his country.
In an election night phone call Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) promised Choudhury that he would continue fighting for the journalist in the new Congress. Of late, Kirk has been joined by a bi-partisan group of Senators and House Members, and he intimated to Choudhury that he will propose specific action when Congress re-convenes. Kirk was instrumental in forcing the Bangladesh government to free Choudhury from prison in 2005.
Since 2003, the Bangladesh government and Islamist radicals have targeted Choudhury and his family. After seventeen months of imprisonment and “interrogation,” Choudhury was freed in April 2005 due to the efforts of Chicago-area resident, Richard Benkin and Rep. Mark Kirk. Since then, he has continued publishing his paper despite government blocks on advertisement and other forms of harassment.
Radicals have issued several death threats against him and in July, they bombed his newspaper. On October 6, 2006, a large group of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Bahai, and Muslims spent all night with Choudhury to protect him from radicals who threatened “dire consequences” for his actions. Shortly after that, Choudhury went into hiding after a tip alerted him to impending police and radical moves against him.
For further information or an interview with Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury contact Richard Benkin above.
