Speech crime cases to be dismissed with DSA repeal: Asif Nazrul

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul said today (November 8) that cases filed for “expression crime” will be dismissed simultaneously with the repeal of the Digital Security Act (DSA).

“We are repealing the Digital Security Act and we made the announcement long ago. There are some cases filed for ‘expression crimes’… all these cases will be automatically dismissed,” he said while addressing the DRU-Desh TV Best Reporting Award. 2024 as the chief guest of Dhaka Club this afternoon.

“Cases filed against free-minded individuals and those with differing views will be dismissed simultaneously with the repeal of the DSA,” he added.

However, the legal advisor said that the hearing of cases filed for computer crimes such as hacking, fraud and blackmail will continue.

Criticizing some of the journalist leaders, the advisor said that they were only working to make their own fortunes, not to replace most ordinary journalists.

Asif said, “There are some so-called journalist leaders who are actually neither journalists nor leaders. By taking ordinary journalists hostage, they earned huge money, owned houses and cars and gained influence.” he said.

“The current interim government has not harassed any journalists. Neither the government nor the police have filed any cases against journalists,” he said.

Speaking as the special guest of the event, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that fearless and impartial journalism is very important for democracy and environmental protection.

He said the current government is committed to creating a conducive environment for journalism.

The event, chaired by Dhaka Reporters Union President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo, was conducted by DRU General Secretary Mohi Uddin.

Former DRU president Shafiqul Karim and Desh TV Managing Director Arif Hasan also spoke at the event, among others.