EU, France, Australia condemn Xulhaz murder

European Union, France, Australia and Switzerland today poured in their condemnation over the murder of LGBT magazine editor Xulhaz Mannan and his friend Mahbub Tonoy.

EU urged the government to ensure freedom of expression as a fundamental human right and to investigate the incident thoroughly in a statement. 

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“It (freedom of expression) is also essential to ensure the protection and safety of all citizens. Thorough investigations into these killings need to take place to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

In a separate statement, France conveyed condolences to the families and friends of the victims of recent killings and pledged to stand aside Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism. 

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These outrageous killings come in addition to a series of murders, occurring in Bangladesh these last months against civil society members, rights defenders and representatives of  religious minorities, the statement said. “The culprits must be brought to justice.”

Australia also hoped that Bangladesh will move into swift investigation of the murders and bring those responsible to book. “Australia stands with Bangladesh, as we stand with other international partners, in opposing intolerance and violent extremism.”

Meanwhile, the Embassy of Switzerland in Dhaka also condemns the recent killings in Bangladesh.

The embassy conveyed condolences to the families if the victims, said in a statement of the embasy today.

“Freedom of expression is deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s the long traced tradition of tolerance, harmony and respect for human rights, the principle on which this country was built. The recent killings constitute a serious threat to the freedom of expression and are grave violations of basic human rights,” the statement read.

“The killings need to be investigated and those responsible must be brought to justice.”

Protecting the lives of all citizens is critical in order to ensure and guarantee freedom of expression in Bangladesh also in the future, the embassy said in the statement.