aNNWN/07-10-2020
The Indian Women Press Corps and the Press Association condemns the arrest of a journalist, Siddique Kappan, by the Uttar Pradesh government, on Monday. Kappan, who is a contributor for a Kerala-based website, was arrested in Mathura when he was on his way to Hathras to report on the alleged gangrape of a 20-year-old Dalit woman. His mobile phone and laptop were seized by the police.
The UP government claims that the journalist has links with some groups but has not offered any proof in this regard. The UP government had banned the entry of the media in Hathras for two days, denying journalists their right to report the story from Hathras, thereby violating the right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution.
The IWPC and Press Association demand Mr Kappan's immediate release and return of his equipment. They decried the UP government's attempt to silence the media and create an atmosphere of fear by the arrest of the journalist.
The Indian Women Press Corps and the Press Association
