New Delhi: A broad spectrum of civil society voices has come together to strongly oppose the latest attempt to intimidate independent journalism in India.
Over 1,300 members of civil society, including prominent writers, economists, activists, and academics, have condemned the Assam Police’s action against senior journalists Siddharth Vardarajan, Karan Thapar, and the independent news platform The Wire.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday and signed by 1,342 individuals, the signatories described the police action as a “disturbing attempt to silence one of the last remaining independent voices in Indian journalism.” They expressed concern that sedition charges were being pursued despite earlier Supreme Court protection in similar cases, which sets a dangerous precedent.
The statement also criticized the lack of due process, pointing out that the journalists were not initially given a copy of the FIR or informed of the allegations against them.
“This disregard for law and legal procedure undermines the very institutions tasked with protecting citizens’ rights,” the statement said.
The signatories include Arun Kumar, economist; E A S Sarma, former senior bureaucrat; Jayati Ghosh, economist; Lalita Ramdas, peace activist; Dinesh Abrol, Delhi Science Forum; Anand Patwardhan, filmmaker; Parakala Prabhakar, economist; Thomas Franco, People First; and Nikhil Dey, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan.
The statement emphasized the importance of independent media in promoting truth and public debate, especially in the age of misinformation and rising authoritarianism. It praised The Wire for standing firm in its journalistic ethics despite pressure.
The signatories called on the Assam government to immediately withdraw all charges and pledged full solidarity with the journalists targeted.
It concluded with a categorical demand: “The government of Assam must withdraw sedition and other charges immediately. We stand in full solidarity with Siddharth Vardarajan, Karan Thapar, and all journalists working to defend truth and free expression.”
