Noor charge­d under Bangla­desh's strict intern­et laws, could face up to 14 years in jail if found guilty­DHAKA: Bangladesh police arrested a 25-year-old social media activist as he tried to leave the country on charges that he defamed Islam and the Prophet Mohammed, authorities said Tuesday. Immigration police detained Asaduzzaman Noor, known as Asad Noor on his Youtube channel, at Dhaka airport on Monday evening, inspector Mohammad Shahidullah told AFP. Cybercrime: 64,000 social media users reported to FIANoor was charged under Bangladesh’s strict internet laws and could face up to 14 years in jail if found guilty. Rights groups have accused the Bangladesh government of muzzling dissent and targeting atheist bloggers who have used social media to criticise religion. In 2013, four Bangladeshi bloggers were arrested after nationwide protests in which Islamic groups demanded the execution of atheist commentators.

Source: The Express Tribune December 26, 2017 13:52 UTC