Tel-Chai Nation

I got this e-mail from SliwaNews, and it's not good:

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Journalist Faces Death Penalty in Bangladesh

Trial This Monday, Nov. 13

Available for interviews

Former PLO Terrorist, Walid Shoebat, Demands Journalist's Freedom

DHAKA: Bangladesh -- While Palestinians mourners buried 18 civilians killed by Israel's recent shelling in Gaza, Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, editor of "The Weekly Blitz," and Muslim believer, stands trial for multiple counts of sedition, treason and blasphemy for reporting on the rise of al-Qaeda in Bangladesh, publishing editorials in support of Israel, and for promoting peace between Muslims and Jews.

Choudhury has been beaten, tortured and imprisoned for his writings.

His trial convenes this Monday, Nov. 13. He faces a maximum penalty of death or 30 years imprisonment if found guilty.

Former terrorist and Hamas supporter, Walid Shoebat, is leading the charge for Choudhury's freedom. A number of congressional leaders from the left and right have joined Shoebat in demanding Choudhury's release.

"Courageous Muslims like Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury must be set free," Shoebat said. "Bangladesh receives $60 million in U.S. aid every year. The United States needs to encourage brave Muslims to speak freely, and when they do, we should all stand behind them and protect their freedom of speech."

Over 40 men attacked Choudhury and ransacked his office in Dhaka on Oct. 5. Leading members of the ruling Bangladesh National Party (BNP) were among his attackers. Despite the visible damage to his office and the numerous injuries he received, police refused to let Choudhury file a complaint.

While his attackers were exonerated, Choudhury was arrested for publishing articles on the rise of al-Qaeda in Bangladesh, for his editorials on Israel, and for his work in promoting peace among Muslims and Jews.

Choudhury is no stranger to political persecution. In 2003, he was arrested by security personnel in Dhaka, while en route to speak at a conference on "the role of media in establishing peace." Because of the work of human rights activist Dr. Richard Benkin in the U.S., Choudhury was finally freed in April, 2005, after spending 17 months in solitary confinement where he was severely tortured and often beaten.

Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury and Walid Shoebat are available for interviews. Contact: M.Sliwa Public Relations, 973-272-2861 or msliwa@msliwa.com

Is there anything that can be done to help save him and get him out of there?

Update: Michelle Malkin is covering this too.

Update 2: Here's some more news from Sliwa for Nov 13:

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury and Walid Shoebat are available for interviews. Contact: M.Sliwa Public Relations, 973-272-2861 or msliwa@msliwa.com

Shoebat Fights for Muslim Dissident's Freedom

Journalist on Trial TODAY, Nov. 13

Available for Interviews

Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, founder and editor of "The Weekly Blitz," stands trial in Bangladesh TODAY, Mon, Nov. 13, for sedition, treason and blasphemy. He faces a maximum penalty of death or 30 years imprisonment if found guilty.

Former terrorist, Walid Shoebat, (http://shoebat.com) is leading a campaign for Choudhury's freedom.

"We pay more attention to terrorists in Guantanamo than to the real conscientious objectors," Shoebat said. "Mr. Choudhury is a prime example of this. He is a journalist who was arrested for writing and speaking out against terrorism, and yet we never see anyone in Bangladesh who is arrested for writing or speaking out for terrorism."

Choudhury, a practicing Muslim, has been beaten, tortured and imprisoned for his writings, which are critical of the rise of terrorism and call for peace and understanding between Muslims and Jews.

Over 40 men attacked Choudhury and ransacked his office in Dhaka last month. Leading members of the ruling Bangladesh National Party (BNP) were among his attackers. Despite the visible damage to his office and the numerous visible injuries he received, police refused to let Choudhury file a complaint. Instead, they let his attackers go free and issued a warrant for his arrest.

Choudhury is no stranger to political persecution. In 2003, he was arrested by security personnel in Dhaka, while en route to speak at a conference on "the role of the media in establishing peace." Because of the work of U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk and human rights activist Dr. Richard Benkin, Choudhury was finally freed in April 2005 after being imprisoned under deplorable conditions for 17 months. During that time, both of his legs were broken and he was often beaten and severely tortured.

Walid Shoebat is calling on everyone to join him in the fight for Choudhury's freedom.

I too urge everyone to do their best to get behind Choudhury and fight for his freedom!