[ad_1]
The Editors Guild of India on Tuesday expressed “shock and concern” at the actions of law enforcement agencies in Jammu and Kashmir in dealing with two Srinagar-based journalists: freelance photographer Masrat Zahra and The Hindu reporter Peerzada Ashiq. The union demanded that the police stop harassing journalists more.
“While only one FIR [first information report] has been submitted in connection with a report submitted by Peerzada Ashiq, authorities on Union territory have used the Law on Prevention of Illicit Activities against Masrat Zahra, “the guild said.” Any recourse to such laws for simply publishing something on The mainstream or social media is a misuse of power. Its sole purpose may be to instill terror in journalists. ”
The Publishers Guild accused the police of using the strictest laws aimed at hardened terrorists against journalists who make “mere social media posts of factual images.” They said the correct approach when dealing with the Ashiq story in The Hindu It would have been contacting the editor of the newspaper.
“The Guild demands that the administration of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir drop the charges immediately,” the statement concluded.
On April 18, the police charged Zahra under the Illegal Activity Prevention Act for allegedly uploading posts glorifying “anti-national activities” on social media. Police said Zahra uploaded photos that could “cause the public to disturb law and order.”
On the other hand, Ashiq was summoned to the police station for reporting on the claims of the families of the deceased militants in Baramulla, who said they were allowed to travel to collect the bodies, although permission was later rescinded.
The amended UAPA allows the government to outlaw individuals as terrorists and empowers more officials from the National Investigation Agency to investigate cases. A person charged under the law can be imprisoned for up to seven years.
The Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone hired journalist and author Gowhar Geelani on Tuesday for allegedly “engaging in illegal activities” through social media that are “detrimental to the national integrity, sovereignty and security of India ” Police alleged that Geelani had been glorifying terrorism in the Kashmir Valley through his posts.
Amnesty International calls for an end to the “intimidation” of journalists
Amnesty International, the human rights watchdog, called on the Indian government to stop the “intimidation” of journalists in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The two new first information reports [FIR] against journalists in Kashmir who are initiating police investigations against them, point to the authorities’ attempt to curb the right to freedom of expression, “said Amnesty International India Executive Director Avinash Kumar.” Harassment and intimidation of journalists through draconian laws like UAPA threatens efforts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and creates an atmosphere of fear and retaliation. “
Kumar added that the problem of press freedom has been intensified by the national blockade, prolonged restrictions on internet speed and arbitrary arrests. He alleged that these actions severely undermine the human rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Kumar said that any restriction on the right to freedom of expression must be “reasonable and proportionate”.
“The media play a crucial role in reporting human rights abuses and it is essential to inform the public about the factual situation and the actions taken by governments in response to Covid-19,” said Kumar. “Yet again and again, UAPA, India’s leading anti-terror law, has been abused to attack journalists and human rights defenders who criticize government policies.”
