THIRD SOUTH ASIAN MEETING ON THE INTERNET & FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

DHAKA, BANGLADESH
JANUARY 14-15, 2013
Statement of Solidarity on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Internet Users
Bangladeshi blogger Asif Mohiuddin was brutally attacked in a stabbing last evening. His
condition is currently said to be critical. Violent attacks on mediapersons have led to at least four
deaths in the past year alone, and this trend is now extending to those writing online.
It is the duty of societies at large to ensure that principles we universally consider sacrosanct,
such as the right to life and liberty and of freedom of expression are not treated as mere ideas. It is
the duty of a government to actively protect the rights guaranteed under the constitution and to
ensure they are not just words on paper, and ensure rule of law.
Article 39 of the Constitution of Bangladesh—and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights—guarantee both the freedom of thought and conscience, as well as the right of
every citizen of freedom of speech and expression, and freedom of the press.
Article 32 of the Constitution of Bangladesh—and Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights—guarantee that no person shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except by law.
The attack on Asif Mohiuddin is an offence which undermines these fundamental principles.
We request the government of Bangladesh to act swiftly and decisively to demonstrate intolerance
towards such offences and impose rigorous penalties to act as a strong deterrent against such
instances in the future.
Reporters Without Borders note that “the ability of those in the media to work freely has
deteriorated alarmingly in Bangladesh, which is now ranked 129th of 179 countries in the 2011-2012
World Press Freedom Index”.
In general, the situation of those working as non-professional 'citizen journalists' is even
worse. In a 2010 report, the UN Special Rapporteur notes:
“Citizen journalists are by nature more isolated, they are more vulnerable to attack than
professional journalists. However, citizen journalists enjoy less protection than their counterparts in
traditional media, as they do not have the support of media organizations and networks, in particular
the organizational resources, including lawyers and financial resources, which can help shield them
from harassment.”
This reality of greater vulnerability is equally applicable to those who do not self-identify as
'citizen journalists', but use social media to express unpopular opinions.
Keeping this