Cartoonist and journalist indicted in Bangladesh

Seven people, including a well-known cartoonist and a journalist, were formally indicted in Bangladesh on Sunday under the Digital Security Act which critics say is being used by authorities to silence the opposition.

A Dhaka court has approved the indictment against cartoonist Ahmed Kabir and Swedish-based journalist and human rights activist Tasneem Khalil, prosecutor Nazrul Islam said.

They are accused of posting false and insulting information, defamation, and intentionally posting material online that sparks riots and unrest.

If found guilty, they face up to ten years in prison.

"

" Shamim told AFP.

Acts of torture?

Mr. Kishore, 45, told AFP he was "the

". “

” he added in a phone call after the charges were announced. Mr. Kishore was released on bail in March after being arrested in May 2020. The indictment against him referred to the digital security law which, according to human rights organizations including Amnesty International, is used to intimidate those who criticize the government. He claims to have been tortured before his pre-trial detention.

Mr. Kishore lodged a complaint with a court in Dhaka about the alleged torture, which the police denied.

This complaint has so far not given rise to any follow-up.

According to Mr. Kishore, his alleged torturers questioned him about his cartoons representing a powerful businessman close to the government as well as a series of cartoons criticizing the authorities' management of the health crisis due to Covid-19.

Prosecutor Shamim did not give details of the specific charges against the cartoonist.

In July, Amnesty said at least 433 people had been arrested in Bangladesh under the Digital Security Act.

Most have been accused of publishing false and offensive information, according to NGOs.