TrialWatch is monitoring the crackdown on independent journalism in India, including against those who have criticized the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of draconian laws such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). and whether India will continue to invoke its sedition law.
Rana Ayyub
An Indian journalist and Washington Post Global Opinions writer who is known for her investigative reporting critical of Prime Minister Modi and his government is facing charges of fraud and money laundering for alleged misuse of funds she received for COVID relief. The case, which is being monitored by CFJ’s partner the Columbia Law School Human Rights Institute, was prompted by a complaint from an individual affiliated with India’s ruling party. For one of the fraud charges alone, Ms. Ayyub faces up to seven years in prison.
Aasif Sultan
An award-winning Kashmiri journalist is facing charges that could carry the death penalty based on allegations of supporting a terrorist group. He has spent years in detention already and press and human rights organizations have said they believe the charges actually stem from Sultan’s coverage of a Kashmiri militant killed by Indian security forces, whose killing set off anti-government demonstrations in Kashmir in July 2016.
