UN spokesperson Antonio Guterres says journalists should be able to express themselves freely without fear of harassment.
Digital Desk: A delegate for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday in response to the arrest of Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair that journalists should not be imprisoned for what they publish, tweet, or say.
During a press conference, the Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, responded, "...In any place around the world, people must be allowed to express themselves freely, journalists are allowed to express themselves freely and without the threat of any harassment."
The Delhi Police arrested Zubair on Monday on charges of injuring religious sentiments for a tweet he sent in March 2018.
The first information report against Zubair was based on a complaint filed by Delhi Police Sub-Inspector Arun Kumar, who stated that he was monitoring social media when he came across the March 2018 tweet after an objection was raised by an Account handle named Hanuman Bhakt. Until Monday evening, the account had only posted one message on the microblogging site and had only three followers.
The user strongly disagreed with Zubair's tweet, which showed a hotel signboard with the name "Honeymoon Hotel" repainted with "Hanuman Hotel." However, social media users pointed out that the image Zubair posted was from a 1983 Hindi film.
Several media outlets have condemned Zubair's arrest and demanded his unconditional release.
"The arrest of journalist Mohammad Zubair marks another low point for press freedom in India, where the government has created a hostile and unsafe environment for members of the press reporting on sectarian issues," said Steven Butler, South Asia program coordinator for the non-profit organization Committee to Protect Journalists based in the United States.
Amnesty International India's board chairperson, Aakar Patel, stated that authorities are targeting Zubair for his "crucial work" in combating misinformation and calling out discrimination against minorities.
Patel said, "The arrest of Mohammed Zubair demonstrates that the danger to human rights defenders in India has reached a tipping point."
Zubair's arrest came just days after Gujarat officials arrested Teesta Setalvad on charges of "criminal conspiracy, forgery, and presenting false evidence in court to frame innocent people" during the Gujarat riots in 2002.
The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed concern about the arrest and detention of social activist Setalvad and has called for her immediate release.
"#India: We are deeply concerned about the arrest and detention of #WHRD @TeestaSetalvad and two former police officers, and we demand their immediate release. They must not be persecuted for their activism and solidarity with the victims of the 2002 #GujaratRiots," the United Nations Human Rights Office tweeted on Tuesday.
Also Read: China's Belt and Road Initiative faces a $600 billion challenge from G7 leaders
Leave A Comment