An investigation into celebrated photographer Shahidul Alam was suspended by a Bangladesh court Thursday, after his arrest last year on controversial charges for criticising the government attracted global outrage.
The award-winning photographer was charged with making"false" and"provocative" statements in a televised interview, offences carrying a maximum 14 years in jail. His lawyers said Thursday the investigation into Alam, 63, was suspended by the High Court for three months -- a first step toward charges being dropped."We will do that as soon as the court resumes next week," Deputy Attorney General Moklesur Rahman told AFP.It also shone a spotlight on the laws used to charge him, legislation that rights groups say has given authorities free rein to curb freedom of expression.
The photographer's arrest triggered international protests -- with rights groups, Nobel laureates and academics calling for his release -- and followed a series of mass rallies this summer after two teenagers were killed by a speeding bus.