Dhaka, Sep 27 (Just News): The European Union has reiterated its concerns over the Digital Security Act, 2018; what has been labelled as a threat to freedom of expression.
In a joint statement issued today, the EU said the law can potentially be used to suppress and criminalise legitimate exercise of freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
They called upon government to continue talks with stakeholders to align the law with universal declaration of human rights as well as the constitution of Bangladesh.
Signatories of the statement are ambassador of the EU and ambassadors of Italy, Spain, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland.
Rights activists have termed the Digital Security Act, 2018, which was passed in parliament on September 19, as a “black law” that threatens the media and expression of freedom.
Newspaper editors of Bangladesh have denounced the law, saying it will curb free journalism and speech, and called for demonstration against it on upcoming Saturday.
Notably, the government held discussions with the stakeholders before passage of the law. The newspaper editors said their suggestions were completely ignored.
(Justnews/ys/1720hr)
