Journalists face charges in India for reporting alleged police misconduct and mob lynching
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 11 July 2024
Join our WhatsApp channel
In Uttar Pradesh, two journalists are under investigation for allegedly inciting religious enmity while reporting on a mob lynching. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the inquiry as a misuse of the legal system.Summary
NEW DELHI—The Committee to Protect Journalists on Wednesday called on police in Uttar Pradesh state to drop their investigation into a claim that independent journalists Zakir Ali Tyagi (left) and Wasim Akram Tyagi incited religious enmity through "malicious" posts on social media platform X alleging that a Muslim resident of Shamli district was killed in a July 4 "mob lynching."
"The criminal investigation against journalists Zakir Ali Tyagi and Wasim Akram Tyagi for highlighting potential police misconduct and sectarian tensions are an alarming misuse of the legal system," said CPJ India Representative Kunal Majumder. "The authorities should drop this investigation and focus on addressing the issues raised by these journalists rather than punishing them for their work."
Police opened the investigation into the journalists and three others on July 6 following a complaint by Manendra Kumar, a police sub-inspector at Thana Bhawan police station in the area, according to a First Information Report (FIR) reviewed by CPJ.
Zakir had reported the death and that police were investigating charges of culpable homicide via X on July 5. He and Waseem, who are not related, suggested authorities were trying to help the alleged killers by not classifying the death as a murder.
Kumar's complaint claims that the posts by Zakir and Wasim violate two sections of the new penal code–section 196 for promoting enmity between groups which is punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine, or both, and section 353 for statements causing public mischief which is punishable up to three years in prison with or without a fine.
Shamli police superintendent Abhisekh, who goes by one name, did not respond to CPJ's email requesting comment on the investigation.—A CPJ News Alert
Key Points
- Two journalists in India face charges over social media posts.
- Allegations arise from reporting on a mob lynching incident.
- CPJ calls for the investigation to be dropped.
- Legal action raises concerns about press freedom in India.
- Authorities accused of protecting alleged perpetrators.
Relevant Topics
Ask AI: Understand this story your way
AI EnabledDig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.
Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.
