Journalist Mohammad Zubair of Alt News arrested in Delhi
Mohammad Zubair, co-founder of Alt News, was arrested on Monday by Delhi police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments
Journalist Mohammad Zubair, co-founder of Alt News, was arrested on Monday by the Delhi police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments, officials said.
A case was earlier registered under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, language etc) and 295A (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code against Zubair, K P S Malhotra, DCP (Cyber Crime), said.
Zubair joined the probe on Monday and after gathering sufficient evidence on record, he was arrested, Malhotra said.
He said Zubair is being produced before a magistrate for seeking police remand.
The arrest drew sharp criticism on social media from other leading journalists and political leaders.
India’s few fact-checking services, especially @AltNews, perform a vital service in our post-truth political environment, rife with disinformation. They debunk falsehoods whoever perpetrates them. To arrest @zoo_bear is an assault on truth. He should be released immediately.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 27, 2022
So Mohammed Zubair @zoo_bear who had raised red flag and exposed several instances of hate speech is now accused and arrested of hate speech himself. Even as many of those who he exposed roam freely. Chilling effect. 🙏 https://t.co/2xnNPwe5A1
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) June 27, 2022
Delhi police did not arrest BJP’s spokesperson who hurt the sentiments of Indian Muslims and Muslims of over 15 other countries but took absolute no time to arrest @zoo_bear. Law should be equal for all. #IStandWithZubair https://t.co/2rNhPMemNQ
— Dr Md Jawaid (@DrMdJawaid1) June 27, 2022
The Prime Minister of India talks about the horrors of Emergency while he has unleashed one in India. Journalist Zubair who routinely busted fake news, exposed the hate machinery in India has just been arrested. The country is punishing those who reported, documented the decline
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) June 27, 2022
With agency inputs