Official announcements from ISKCON or related religious bodies

Bangladesh Court Denies Bail to ISKCON Leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on Sedition Charges Despite 11 Lawyers' Efforts

Jan 2, 2025, 05:48 AM

A Chattogram court in Bangladesh has denied bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader, during a hearing held under tight security. Chinmoy, who was arrested on November 25 at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, faces sedition charges for allegedly raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh's national flag. His arrest has sparked protests and drawn attention to concerns over the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh. A team of 11 Supreme Court lawyers represented him in the case, but the court rejected their arguments. The case has also seen procedural challenges, including the absence of legal representation in earlier hearings due to security concerns. Violent clashes during earlier protests resulted in casualties, and two monks visiting Chinmoy in custody were detained. Additionally, one of Chinmoy's lawyers was hospitalized due to health issues. Chinmoy remains in custody amid ongoing calls for justice and protection for minority communities in the country.