If I must go to jail for speaking out, so be it: Pori Moni
Actress Pori Moni was scheduled to attend an opening ceremony for a showroom in Tangail yesterday. However, the event was postponed due to resistance from local organisations, including Hefazat-e-Islam. The news came as a blow to the actress, who later expressed her frustration on social media.
The postponement followed a fresh legal development today when a court issued an arrest warrant against Pori Moni. The warrant is in connection with a case accusing her of vandalism, attempted murder, and issuing threats during an incident at the Dhaka Boat Club in Uttara.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Pori Moni spoke to The Daily Star this afternoon, discussing the warrant and her reaction to the postponed event.
A court has issued an arrest warrant against you. What do you have to say about this?
I couldn't make it to two of my court hearings in a row. I missed today's hearing due to illness. I've informed my lawyer about my condition. What can I do if I'm physically unwell? I'm not in a state to appear before the court. If I were well, I would have gone. I've never had any issues appearing in court, not even during my maternity leave. I will handle this legally. My lawyer will file for bail.
Last night, you expressed your frustration on Facebook after your event in Tangail was postponed...
Yes, I spoke about it on my Facebook page. Out of nowhere, the day before the event, I was informed that it had been postponed due to strong local opposition. I felt terrible when I heard the news—completely helpless. Why should this happen? Why can't I work safely in my own country? If something bothers me, I won't stay quiet about it. I've spoken out against wrongdoings before, and I'll continue to do so. If speaking out against injustice means I'll keep going to jail, then so be it. What else can they do? They'll just keep sending me to jail. But if that's the case, no one in this country will ever be able to speak up.
Do you think your Facebook post might cause any legal issues for you?
If there's an arrest warrant against me for simply expressing my opinion on Facebook or for protesting this injustice, that would be deeply painful. How can people live if they can't speak their minds? Those who wish to stay silent may do so, but those who want to speak should be allowed to. Since this matter involves the court, I will proceed legally. My lawyer is handling everything.
Previously, a Dhaka court issued an arrest warrant against actress Pori Moni after charges were framed in a case filed by Nasir U Mahmud, former president of Uttara Club Limited, accusing her of assault, vandalism, attempted murder, and issuing threats. The charges stem from an incident on June 9, 2021, at Dhaka Boat Club, where Nasir alleged that Pori Moni and her friends, after getting drunk, assaulted him when he refused to give them free alcohol. In response, Pori Moni had filed a separate case against Nasir for rape and attempted murder. Both cases are currently pending in court, alongside another involving narcotics charges.
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