Arrested militants beat up two Bangladeshi journalists

Dhaka, Feb.1 : Seven outlawed Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) militants, who have been sentenced to life imprisonment for carrying out bomb blasts in Chapainawabganj on August 17, 2005 when an estimated 500 explosions took place across the country, beat up journalists outside a court in Rajshahi.

Chanting religious slogans after their verdict was announced on Thursday, the militants attacked two journalists -- Zahid Hasan of the Banglavision Television Channel (for taking video footage of the militants) and Abdullah Iqbal. The cameras of the two journalists were damaged in the melee.

The militants also threw their sandals at the newsmen, the Daily Star reported on Friday.

Judge ATM Mesbauddoula at the Speedy Trial Court fined the militants 10,000 Takas (145 dollars) each. If they fail to pay, they will have to undergo a year's additional jail term.

Those sentenced include Tufan, Shahidullah Faruk Selim, Shakhawat Hossain Ziad, Abdullah Al Mamun Nasim, Hafez Ali Akbar Riaz, Shafiullah Shahid and Hafijur Rahman Dalim. The last two mentioned are in hiding.

ANI