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WASHINGTON, Dec 2 (AFP) - The United States reminded Bangladesh on Monday of the crucial importance of media freedom, and asked for full legal representation for two European journalists jailed for alleged anti-state activities.

Briton Zaiba Malik and Italian Bruno Sorrentino, working for Britain's Channel 4, were arrested on November 25 when they tried to leave Bangladesh.

The government accused them of involvement in "clandestine activities" with an "apparent and malicious intent of portraying Bangladesh as an Islamic fanatical country."

Hours after the pair were jailed pending trial following a week of questioning, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher reminded Bangladesh to take no action that could suggest repression of the press.

"We strongly urge the Bangladesh government to provide the journalists -- one a British national and the other an Italian national -- with full access to legal counsel and consular services through their embassies," he said.

"Once again, we reiterate that a free press is critically important for the functioning of a democratic system.

"The Bangladeshi government and law enforcement authorities have the responsibility to ensure that any actions taken against journalists be carried out rapidly and transparently, leaving no question about possible interference with press freedoms."

Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Sans Frontieres (Reporters Without Borders, RSF) has demanded the immediate release of the journalists and several Bangladeshi colleagues. 

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