June 17, 2021

Digipub strongly condemns the case filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police
against three journalists – Saba Naqvi, Rana Ayyub, Mohammad Zubair –
and The Wire for their tweets about a video in which an elderly Muslim
man in Ghaziabad is seen describing the manner in which he was assaulted
on June 5.

The FIR, which also names three political activists and Twitter, pertains to
information that was reported widely by several media houses and relayed
on social media by hundreds of users.

The Uttar Pradesh Police later disputed the claims the man is seen to make
in the video. In keeping with standard journalistic practice, the official
version was also reported.

The list of individuals and organisations in the police case makes it clear
that the authorities are targeting journalists and publications perceived to
be critical of the ruling party.

The implications of this case go beyond those who have been accused here:
the Uttar Pradesh Police is holding out a threat to those who report the
voices of victims of crimes. It is attempting to create an atmosphere in
which all journalists and news organisations will be dissuaded from
reporting anything but the official version.

This is only the latest in a series of attacks on the media by the authorities
in Uttar Pradesh. The mala fide nature of the case undermines the right to
free expression guaranteed by Constitution.

Digipub, an association of more than 60 independent digital publications,

urges the state of Uttar Pradesh to withdraw the case immediately and to
allow news publications to do their job without fear of reprisal. Failing to
do so will be a mockery of India’s commitment to the values of democracy.