Israel National News (IsraelNN.com) said journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury is on trial in Bangladesh on charges of "blasphemy" and "treason" for his alleged spying for the Mossad, Israel’s international espionage agency.
If convicted he could be hanged or face 30 years imprisonment which is "in itself a death sentence," Israel National News quoted officials as saying.
Government officials have reportedly questioned the evidence, but the public prosecutor said in a brief court session that he intends to proceed with the case. A new trial date has been set for July 18, the news service said.
GOVERNMENT AGENTS
The Muslim writer was arrested several years ago by agents of the previous government when he was leaving the country for a speaking engagement in Israel. The initial charge was reportedly "violation" of the country’s ban on travel to the Jewish State. He was subsequently reportedly tortured and held in prison for 17 months.
Independent Media Review Analysis (IMRA), an independent think-tank, has reportedly said that the journalists’ pro-Israel views and articles exposing the rise of radical Islam in Bangladesh are the real reason behind the court case.
"He is on trial because he writes plainly about the danger of extremist ‘madrassas’ [or Islamic schools] teaching children as young as five to hate Jews and Israel," Israel National News commented.
US CONGRESS
The US Congress reportedly urged Bangladesh to drop the charges while the journalist’s brother, Sohail, has appealed to the international community for assistance in saying charges stem from "rumors originating in Saudi Arabia."
“His country proclaims that Shoaib’s support for Israel is treason because it is in opposition to their policy and that is blasphemous, a charge they find convenient," Israel National News
quoted him as saying.
"He is on trial because he writes plainly about the danger of extremist ‘madrassas’ [or Islamic schools] teaching children as young as five to hate Jews and Israel. Shoaib works tirelessly for interfaith understanding. Bangladesh considers this treason and blasphemy," journalist’s brother reportedly said. (With reporting from Bangladesh and Israel).
