Civil society platforms urge release of Shahriar Kabir

Five European and global civil society platforms have issued an urgent appeal for the immediate release of journalist and author Shahriar Kabir.

The 75-year-old has been in jail since September 17 last year after he was arrested in a murder case.

The joint statement was released on October 5 by the South Asia Democratic Forum (Belgium), the European Bangladesh Forum (EU and Great Britain), the Working Group Bangladesh in Germany, Earth Civilization Network, and the Freedom and Justice Alliance (Global Platform).

The groups also expressed concern over Kabir's deteriorating health after he was recently transferred to Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj. They alleged that he was being denied medical treatment and subjected to inhumane conditions.

They also said Shahriar Kabir has spent the past year in prison under fabricated murder charges. "His life is now at serious risk," the statement also read.