Labour MP Tulip Siddiq is to face trial in Bangladesh this month, accused of corruption in a case that her lawyers and many observers continue to describe as a politically-motivated smear campaign – and a continuation of a pattern in Bangladeshi politics of targeting members of former regimes.
Former Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq, who resigned her government post earlier this year amid a storm of politically-fuelled accusations, is now being dragged into a trial in absentia in Bangladesh – despite a lack of formal notice, no contact from the authorities, and repeated denials of wrongdoing.
The charges – part of a broader prosecution involving more than 20 individuals connected to the former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Siddiq’s aunt – are based on untested allegations from political opponents of Hasina’s regime.
Siddiq has described them as “baseless” and “wholly politically motivated.”
It appears, once again, that the truth doesn’t matter when there’s a target to hit.
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You’ll recall that Siddiq referred herself to Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister’s standards adviser, who found no evidence of wrongdoing.
There were no “unusual financial arrangements”, and nothing to suggest any financial gains “derive from anything other than legitimate means”.
But truth is no defence in a media-political system that feeds on scandal, not evidence.
According to Siddiq, the Bangladeshi authorities never contacted Siddiq, never questioned her, never sent any official communication – and yet are pressing forward with a trial set for August 11, in which she could be convicted without ever being present.
If that doesn’t smell like a political show trial, what does?
Meanwhile, the UK media continue to report the story with barely concealed glee – amplifying the charges while downplaying the lack of process and the obvious political context.
And what of Labour?
Starmer said “the door remains open” for Siddiq’s return – but she was still forced out by a party more concerned with optics than justice.
How quick they are to bend when the press and opposition start barking.
Siddiq may yet be vindicated – but don’t expect the media to report that half as loudly, if the time comes.
Tulip Siddiq’s trial in Bangladesh – justice, or more political persecution?
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Labour MP Tulip Siddiq is to face trial in Bangladesh this month, accused of corruption in a case that her lawyers and many observers continue to describe as a politically-motivated smear campaign – and a continuation of a pattern in Bangladeshi politics of targeting members of former regimes.
Former Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq, who resigned her government post earlier this year amid a storm of politically-fuelled accusations, is now being dragged into a trial in absentia in Bangladesh – despite a lack of formal notice, no contact from the authorities, and repeated denials of wrongdoing.
The charges – part of a broader prosecution involving more than 20 individuals connected to the former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Siddiq’s aunt – are based on untested allegations from political opponents of Hasina’s regime.
Siddiq has described them as “baseless” and “wholly politically motivated.”
It appears, once again, that the truth doesn’t matter when there’s a target to hit.
You’ll recall that Siddiq referred herself to Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister’s standards adviser, who found no evidence of wrongdoing.
There were no “unusual financial arrangements”, and nothing to suggest any financial gains “derive from anything other than legitimate means”.
But truth is no defence in a media-political system that feeds on scandal, not evidence.
According to Siddiq, the Bangladeshi authorities never contacted Siddiq, never questioned her, never sent any official communication – and yet are pressing forward with a trial set for August 11, in which she could be convicted without ever being present.
If that doesn’t smell like a political show trial, what does?
Meanwhile, the UK media continue to report the story with barely concealed glee – amplifying the charges while downplaying the lack of process and the obvious political context.
And what of Labour?
Starmer said “the door remains open” for Siddiq’s return – but she was still forced out by a party more concerned with optics than justice.
How quick they are to bend when the press and opposition start barking.
Siddiq may yet be vindicated – but don’t expect the media to report that half as loudly, if the time comes.
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