Journalist Siddique Kappan released after two years

Journalist Siddique Kappan said on his release from prison Thursday morning after spending 850 days in prison trying to get a job: They put me in jail even after I was released on bail. I don’t know who benefits from my being in prison. These two years have been very difficult for him, but he has never been intimidated. ”

Malayalam-speaking journalist Kappan was arrested in October 2020 while covering a Hasrah gang rape case in his state of Uttar Pradesh.

When professional journalists and media professionals say they “continue to fight hard laws,” many will argue that it equates to entering the field of activism and violating the “fundamentals” of journalism. Do not advertise for or against anything. This is true. In an ideal world, there should be a clear distinction between journalism and activism. But in situations where journalism becomes a crime, those involved in journalism need to enter the world of activism.

To understand and understand why Kappan’s promise to fight tough laws is important and requires our urgent attention and collective action, let us look at the cases of journalists imprisoned in various parts of the country. It should be easy to find out.

As of December 1, 2022, seven journalists are imprisoned in India, according to prison numbers released by the Commission to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Most notably, 6 out of 7 journalists have been prosecuted under the Unlawful Practices Act (UAPA).

Kappan and another journalist, Mohammad Manan Dar, were released. Another Gautam Navraha was placed under house arrest. At least he has four journalists left in prison, one of whom is Aasif Sultan, who spent nearly his four and a half years in prison. One journalist said he has been in prison for just over a year and another said on Saturday (Feb 4) he will serve a year. The fourth has been in prison since July last year.

Such lengthy imprisonment of journalists is only possible under strict laws such as the UAPA, the National Security Act (NSA), and the Sedition and Public Safety Act (PSA). And over the years, Indian authorities have arrested and prosecuted dozens of journalists under draconian laws. Once charged under these laws, it can be very difficult to seek bail as the process can take years.

Consider the case of photojournalist Manan Dahl. It took him over a year to secure bail. Even when there was little evidence against him. Notably, while the court granted him bail, his NIA evidence against Dar revealed that he was conspiring to carry out violent terrorist activities in “Jammu and Kashmir” other parts of India.

It ruled that it was “insufficient” to prove that it was part. Including Delhi after the repeal of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.” In the indictment, the NIA alleged that Dar was working “under the guise of a photojournalist” to exchange “details” about security forces and their activities in Kashmir with terrorist organizations.

Kappan’s own case is a good example of how journalism is criminalized. After waiting nearly two years, he was granted bail by the Supreme Court of India on September 9, 2022, stating that “every citizen has the right to freedom of expression”. remained in prison in another case accused of