Ahmed Kabir Kishore Collected‘Criticism of government policy, including through political satire and cartoons, is permitted under the rights to freedom of expression and cultural rights, and should not be criminalized’United Nations human rights experts have called upon the Bangladesh government to immediately release celebrated cartoonist Ahmed Kabir Kishore due to his deteriorating health condition. “We urge Bangladesh to release Kishore on humanitarian grounds to avoid a further deterioration of his health.”In addition to requesting the immediate release of Kishore, the experts called on the authorities to drop the criminal charges against him in light of Bangladesh’s obligations under international human rights law. Earlier this year, the Cartoonists Rights Network International gave Kishore the Robert Russell Courage in Cartooning Award in recognition of his social engagement and defence of human rights. “During the pandemic, it is more vital than ever to respect the rights of artists such as Ahmed Kabir Kishore to express dissenting views,” said the experts. “Silencing their voices harms their human rights — and also puts everyone at greater risk.”

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 16, 2020 11:03 UTC