'Press under siege': CASR denounces arrests of journalists in Kashmir and Kerala

By A Representative

The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has strongly condemned the recent arrests of Kashmiri journalist Hilal Mir and independent journalist Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, calling it a blatant violation of press freedom and democratic rights in India.

Hilal Mir, a journalist associated with multiple Kashmir-based English newspapers and the Turkey-based TRT World, was detained over social media posts documenting the demolition of civilian homes in Kashmir. Authorities have alleged that his reporting spreads anti-state sentiments and secessionist ideology. Mir has faced repeated threats and harassment, including raids, as part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, a Kerala-based journalist known for his coverage of caste issues, communal violence, and human rights violations, was arrested while traveling back to Kerala after participating in a CASR press conference on World Press Freedom Day. His arrest, conducted by Nagpur police in coordination with intelligence agencies, was reportedly based on social media posts and personal possessions, including books and pamphlets advocating peace talks. Authorities have accused him of attempting to incite unrest and waging war against the Indian state, with charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including criminal intimidation and public mischief.

CASR has denounced these arrests as politically motivated and part of a broader strategy to suppress critical voices. The organization also criticized attempts to link CASR to banned groups and called for an end to what it described as a systematic attack on press freedom in India.

CASR has demanded the immediate release of Mir, Sydeek, and all incarcerated journalists, urging national and international media organizations to speak out against the ongoing repression of press freedoms in the country.

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