Bangladesh Torture Probe

An international media watchdog has called on Bangladesh's emergency government to investigate the alleged torture of a newspaper editor by elite security forces. International press freedom group Reporters Without Borders said Noor Ahmed of the daily Sylhet Protidin was tortured several times by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), while in custody last year.

The global media group said he was "beaten with a stick from his knees to his feet and was questioned about his implication in a case of extortion and beaten each time he denied it." Ahmed, released on bail in September 2007, told a local rights group, which first carried out an investigation into the alleged torture, that he was targeted because he was investigating alleged illegal activities by the RAB and that the police chief of of Sylhet was taking bribes.

"It is appalling that local officials, including those responsible for law and order, can attack journalists with complete impunity," Reporters Without Borders said, demanding punishment.

DHAKA (AFP)