Online news editor, reporter sued for extortion and defamation; PBI to investigate
A Dhaka court has ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to investigate a case filed against Saifur Sagor, editor and publisher of the online news portal 'Face The People,' and investigative reporter Mohammad Yusuf. The charges include extortion and defamation. The PBI has been directed to submit its findings by August 10. The case was filed by Abu Md. Kamruzzaman on behalf of Mastul Foundation with the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Hasibuzzaman on Sunday. The plaintiff alleges that Sagor and Yusuf visited their office, demanded money, and began filming without explanation, intending to harass them. They reportedly sought a significant monthly sum and issued threats. The complaint further states that the journalists demanded 20,000 Taka for publishing certain reports and 15,000 Taka for releasing a press release. Additionally, they allegedly demanded a monthly bribe of 50,000 Taka to refrain from publishing reports about the foundation's activities. When Mastul Foundation refused to pay, the defendants allegedly threatened to damage the organization's reputation. A report about Mastul Foundation was published on 'Face The People' on June 28, which the lawsuit claims has caused 20 crore Taka in damages to the foundation's reputation.
This case highlights the critical intersection of media operations, alleged extortion, and defamation claims. The court's order for a PBI investigation suggests a procedural step to ascertain the veracity of the allegations before proceeding. The core of the dispute appears to revolve around financial demands allegedly made by the journalists in exchange for favorable or suppressed reporting, a practice that, if proven, undermines journalistic integrity and potentially constitutes criminal conduct. The significant damages claimed by Mastul Foundation indicate the perceived impact of the published report on its reputation and financial standing. Future developments will depend on the PBI's findings, which could lead to legal proceedings against the journalists or vindication, depending on the evidence gathered regarding the alleged demands and the nature of the published report.
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