Hearing of critiques' reply on penalty for contempt of court May 6

International Crimes Tribunal-2 yesterday fixed May 6 to hear replies of 23 eminent persons over why they should not be punished for contempt of court for issuing a statement criticising the punishment of Dhaka-based British journalist David Bergman.

The tribunal got replies of 15 but that of the remaining eight, now living abroad, are yet to reach it.

On December 2, 2014, the tribunal found Bergman, editor (special reports) of New Age, guilty of contempt for two of his blog posts of January 2013 on the verdict of Abul Kalam Azad, known as Bachchu Razakar.

He was sentenced to imprisonment "till rising of the court" that day and fined Tk 5,000.

On December 20, 2014, the daily Prothom Alo ran a report titled "50 people express concern over Bergman's punishment" on the basis of the statement, which observed that the tribunal's order would restrict freedom of expression.

One signatory, Khusi Kabir, later withdrew her name. The tribunal cleared 26 citizens as they apologised unconditionally.