This deeply troubling action, taken shortly after Mr. Jony represented 167 Awami League leaders and activists in court, constitutes a grave violation of human rights and undermines national and international principles safeguarding the independence of lawyers and the judiciary.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France urges the Government of Bangladesh to immediately and unconditionally release Syed Kabir Hossain Jony and drop all charges against him that criminalize his professional duties as a lawyer, as well as ensure the protection of all legal professionals from harassment and intimidation.
According to news published in different newspapers in Bangladesh, JMBF learned that on the day of his arrest, December 22, 2024, Mr. Jony appeared in court to represent 167 Awami League leaders and activists seeking bail. The court, however, denied bail for 125 of them and ordered their imprisonment. Following the proceedings, Mr. Jony briefed reporters on the legal aspects of the cases. Shortly thereafter, he was detained, allegedly based on unfounded accusations of “subversive activities.” His family has expressed deep concern, describing the arrest as an act of retaliation for his professional role as a lawyer.
JMBF condemns this arbitrary detention as a direct attack on the rule of law and the fundamental right to legal representation. Mr. Jony has long been recognized for his commitment to justice, providing legal support to those in need irrespective of political affiliation. His arrest sets a dangerous precedent, sending a chilling message to other legal professionals and undermining public trust in the justice system.
This action flagrantly violates the Constitution of Bangladesh and international standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers (1990), which state:
- Principle 16: Governments shall ensure that lawyers can perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment, or improper interference.
- Principle 18: Lawyers shall not be identified with their clients or their clients’ causes as a result of discharging their functions.
Robert Simon, renowned French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, voiced his alarm stating, “The detention of lawyer Syed Kabir Hossain Jony represents a dangerous erosion of justice and democratic principles in Bangladesh. Lawyers are critical defenders of human rights and the rule of law. Silencing them through arrest undermines these values and sets a deeply troubling precedent.”
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF and Bangladeshi human rights lawyer based in France, echoed this sentiment stating, “The arbitrary arrest of Mr. Jony is not only a violation of his professional rights but also an assault on the integrity of the legal profession. We demand his immediate and unconditional release and call on Bangladeshi authorities to uphold their constitutional and international obligations to protect lawyers from harassment and retaliation.”
JMBF calls upon national and international human rights organizations to condemn this injustice. Furthermore, we urge the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers to investigate this incident and take swift action to ensure Mr. Jony’s release and uphold the independence of the legal profession in Bangladesh.
This arrest represents a gross misuse of power that must not go unchecked. Law enforcement authorities responsible for this violation must be held accountable to restore public confidence in the justice system and uphold the principles of democracy.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France stands firmly with Syed Kabir Hossain Jony and all legal professionals in Bangladesh who courageously defend justice and human rights. The right to legal representation is fundamental to democracy, and any attack on it demands decisive opposition.
Thank you
Mosa. Jannatul Ferdaus
Chief Coordinator and Member of the Executive Committee
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
107 Rue Gallieni, 93000 Bobigny, France
Email: jannatul.ferdaus@jmbf.org
Website: www.jmbf.org
JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
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