American interest in Shoaib Choudhury

Things are moving in the US for Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, editor and publisher of Dhaka’s Weekly Blitz. This article by Richard L. Benkin, Choudhury's long-time friend and supporter, details the sudden interest in mainstream America media for Bangladesh and the rise of the Islamists there. There are signs of movement in official circles, as well.

Even the US State Department, which only a few months ago supported the Bangladesh government, recently issued a stern rebuke over human rights violations, appeasement, and specifically over its persecution of Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury.

The Washington Post, among others, has been making noises about the status of the $68 million in aid that the US sends to Dakar every year. The big date is the 13th of this month when Choudhury's trial resumes and "congressional sources" have promised "action".

It would be welcome.

The judge persecuting Shoaib recently said that he is not interested in evidence but wants Shoaib punished for “praising Christianity and Judaism.”