PEN Bangladesh reaffirms its commitment to press freedom

On World Press Freedom Day, PEN Bangladesh reaffirms its commitment to press freedom

On World Press Freedom Day, PEN Bangladesh reaffirms its commitment to press freedom as well as the right of every individual to freely express their opinions, and deplores any restrictions imposed on this fundamental right by any authority. PEN Bangladesh believes that journalists should have the space to work without fear and harassment, and stands in solidarity with the journalists detained, imprisoned or killed for doing their job fairly and with an eye for the truth. Journalism is a profession that is becoming increasingly hazardous; if this trend continues, the world will be a poorer place to live.

PEN Bangladesh calls for the release of imprisoned journalists and writers all over the world including Nedim Turfent, the Kurdish editor and poet serving an eight year prison sentence, Roberto Saviano, the Italian journalist, Dawit Isaak, award-winning Swedish-Eritrean journalist held in Eritrea for 18 years, and Abduljalil Al-Singace, human rights activist and blogger serving a life sentence for exercising his right to free expression. PEN Bangladesh calls for the release of Mahmoud Hussein, an Al-Jazeera journalist who has spent more than two years in jail without any trial.