Dhaka, Dec 22: Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) – a partnership of over 50 countries from six continents working together to advocate for media freedom and the safety of journalists all over the world – has severely criticised the attacks carried out against journalists, editors, and media houses across Bangladesh.The strong criticism came as several media outlets and journalists in Bangladesh were targetted in arson attacks following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of a radical group Inqilab Mancha on Thursday.
In its joint statement, which has been shared by several diplomatic missions in Dhaka – including the German Embassy – the member countries of the coalition, including Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, stated that “such acts of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and strike at the heart of press freedom and the public’s right to be informed”.
The coalition works worldwide to safeguard journalists, uphold freedom of expression and hold those accountable who attempt to suppress the press.