India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has fallen down to 150th position from last year’s 142nd rank out of 180 countries, according to a report by Reporters Without Borders media released on Tuesday.
Kerala journalist, Siddique Kappan’s wife Raihanath and daughter Mehnaz traveled for two days to see him. Kappan who is jailed in Lucknow is 1430 miles away from their home.
Siddique was arrested on October 5, 2020, while on his way to meet the family of a 19-year-old Dalit girl, who was allegedly gang-raped and murdered.
His family and fellow journalists have been fighting for his release since then.
“We were leading a happy life. At first, he was working as a computer teacher at a private school. He was very passionate about journalism and writing. At that time, he got a job with the Thejas newspaper. He worked for them in Kozhikode for a year. Later, he was transferred to Delhi as a reporter. So he went there and began covering stories from the Supreme Court. That’s how he ended up in Delhi as a reporter,” Raihanath said while speaking to Documentary 52.
Describing her ordeal on the night when he was arrested she said, “He said he would phone me first thing in the morning at 8 am. I was expecting a call from him but he never called me. So, I thought he might have gone for some interview and did not have time to call. I did not sleep the whole night on October 5, 2020. I kept sending him texts and voice messages. In the night I kept checking my phone. Around 2:30 AM I saw blue ticks for my messages, which meant they had been read. So, I was angry at him for not responding but, I had no idea that his phone was with the police. Later, his phone was switched off.”
Raihanath said that truth is with them and she wanted to tell the truth. “I did not think it was necessary to be silent. Only those who have committed a crime will remain silent. Why should I be silent if I’m not wrong? He went to do his duty to report the news. What’s wrong with that?”
Kappan’s wife claimed that out of all his articles for the Azhimukham newspaper news portal, the police have selectively highlighted particular sections about Muslims. “They are saying that he spoke only for Muslims. Where is the other information? what about his articles where he has raised his voice for others?” She asked.
Speaking in the documentary Kappan’s neighbor said that they do not think he is a criminal. “We had a very good relationship with him and his family. Let it be Vishu, Onam, or any marriage function. We always went to each other’s houses. We never saw ourselves as Hindus and Muslims. There is no distinction between us and we have always lived in harmony.”
“Unexpectedly one day they arrested our father, we were scared and clueless about his release. But my mom was there to boost our morale,” Kappan’s children said.
Asserting that the Kerala union of working journalists (KUWJ) has been with her since the beginning, Raihanath said, “I share my concerns with them and then there is the solidarity committee. Chekkutty sir and a few more people also helped me financially and gave me the courage to deal with the case till today.”
Will Mathews, Supreme Court lawyer said that KUWJ had contacted him for this case as the foundation of a working journalist is in Delhi.
“It is not just the issue of the arrest of Kappan, the issue is of the arrest of a journalist. He along with others was arrested and initially accused of some minor offenses. Subsequently, serious offenses were added. I’m not using the word framed. But I am saying that he should have been given the benefit of doubt. Unless and until there is substantial evidence against him. To my knowledge based on the evidence, I have seen there is nothing to fix him for these offenses.” Mathews said.
Kappan was mainly reporting from the Supreme Court of India. Most of his stories were focused on the problems that Indian minorities, Dalits, and others are facing.
“This is a clear cut case of framing of a journalist for doing his professional work,” said NP Chekkutty, Chairman of Siddique Kappan Solidarity Forum.
“Do they have any kind of evidence? Even a shred of evidence that he has been involved in any kind of activity, illegal activity terrorist activity, his only weapon was a pen,” he added.
Journalist Kappan’s wife is hopeful that justice would be served to her husband. “Justice is getting delayed. That is the issue but I’m not hopeless. I’m sure that the truth will be out soon,” she said.
