Kochi: A solidarity protest at Vanchi Square demanded the release of independent journalist Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, jailed in Nagpur since May under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act after criticizing Operation Sindoor on social media. The Rejaz Solidarity Forum organized the gathering on the death anniversary of freedom fighter Jatin Das, drawing comparisons between colonial repression and present-day restrictions.
Advocate Pramod Puzhangara opened the protest, stating that bail should remain the democratic norm and that incarcerations without solid evidence weaken civil rights. Journalist Siddique Kappan, who was previously jailed under UAPA, delivered the keynote. He praised Sydeek’s reporting on the struggles of Dalits, victims of Islamophobia, and global human rights issues including Palestine. He dismissed the charges as false, noting similarities with the allegations he once faced.
Student representative Niharika from the Democratic Students Association said prisons are being weaponised to silence political dissent. She described Sydeek’s case as “dual persecution” due to his political views and Muslim identity.
Around 40 people attended the peaceful gathering. Organisers later accused Kerala Police of demanding participant details, and when they refused, police allegedly tried to detain them. Two participants, Hari P.G. and Shaneer E., were taken into custody and released on station bail. Organisers also claimed police manhandled attendees, including women, without lady officers present.
Police registered FIR No. 11278/25 at Ernakulam Central Police Station, booking the organisers for unlawful assembly, blocking traffic, and using loudspeakers without permission. BJP leaders filed a complaint against Kappan’s participation, alleging a breach of his bail terms. Activists criticized the Kerala Police response, calling it an example of state double standards.
