This is a communication of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and two UN Special Rapporteurs (on freedom of opinion and expression, and human rights defenders) addressed to the Government of India regarding information received concerning the criminalization of journalism in Jammu and Kashmir
Topics: restrictions on freedom speech, violations of free expression, violation of free press, repression of journalists, silencing of independent reports, assaulti, intimidation and silencing of journalists
Terms: Naseer Ganai, Masrat Zahra, Peerzada Ashiq, Gowher Geelani, police intimidation, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Section 505 Indian Penal Code, First Information Report (FIR)
On 20 April, an acquaintance of Ms. Zahra informed that she has been charged under section 13 of India’s Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), which criminalises advocacy of any unlawful activity. The offence is punishable with fines and up to seven years imprisonment. She was informed that she was also charged under section 505 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalizes statements, rumours or reports “if there is an intent to cause fear or alarm to the public or to any section of the public whereby a person may be induced to commit an offence against the state or against public tranquility”.
May 2020
Originally published
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