2009-02-19 13:14:02 - Bangladeshi journalist, editor of Weekly Blitz and and peace activist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury appeared before the Court of Metropolitan Session Judge, Mohammed bashir Ullah on Thursday morning, where the trial of the Sedition, Treason and Blasphemy charges are continuing since 2003.
According to Bangladesh law, sedition bears capital punishment.

Previous government in Bangladesh, with heavy Islamist ties brought the false charges againt Mr. Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury as he confronts radical Islam, promotes inter faith understanding and advicates relations between Israel and other Muslim nations. Bangladesh's previous government brought the sedition, treason and blasphemy charges against Mr. Choudhury as he forecasted Madrassas to be have been turned into breeding hround of jihadists. The previous government also became annoyed on Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury as he harshly criticized Al Qaeda, Hamas and other Islamist terror groups in the world, as well as for his harsh criticism of Saddam Hossain and Yaseer Arafat.

But, trial set for Thursday was truly an exception. The Metropolital Session Judge Muhammed Bashir Ullah opined in open

court that, Mr. Choudhury should have been rewarded for his prophesy instead of being persecuted by the state.

It may be mentioned here that, Mr. Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury received a number of international awards for his courageous stand in favor of Global Peace and Freedom of Press. He is the recipient of Freedom to Write Award from PEN USA; Moral Courage Award from American Jewish Committee; Monaco Media Award etc.

Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury has written a number of books in English and Bangla. His latest book, INSIDE MADRASSA shall be published in March 2009 in Dhaka. Italian publication house Netfasia Editore published Mr. Choudhury's book named NON SONO COLPEVOLE.