CPJ demands unconditional release of Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman

The First Information Report filed by the police, which officially launched Shams’ investigation, was based on a complaint by Syed Mohammad Golam Kibria, a leader of the Jubo League, the youth wing of the ruling Awami League party.

Kibria accused Shams of publishing “false news” and using a false image in a March 26 Prothom Alo article about rising food prices in the country.

That article and a post by Prothom Alo on Facebook briefly used a picture of a child along with a quote from an adult worker about the price hike; The outlet quickly removed the Facebook post and republished the article on its website and Facebook page with corrections.

Shams has been charged with breaching five sections of the Digital Security Act: publishing or transmitting objectionable, false or threatening information; unauthorized collection or use of identifying information; publication or transmission of defamatory information; Publication or transmission of material prejudicial to law and order; Abetment of offense as per First Information Report.

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