Maktoob Media Condemns FIR Over Its News Story, Says “Threat To Journalistic Independence”
On Wednesday, Aslah Kayyalakkath, the Editor of the award-winning Indian news media that focuses on human rights and minorities, Maktoob Media, faced police interrogation in connection with a First Investigation Report (FIR) filed in Kerala’s Kozhikode over a news story. The FIR names freelance journalist Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek, a regular contributor to Maktoob, booking him under IPC 153 — provocation with intent to cause a riot.
The FIR based on a suo moto case registered in Vatakara police station, centers around the Maktoob news story titled “In Kerala, Muslim Youths Detained for Hours Following Blast; Accuse Kerala Police of Anti-Muslim Bias.” Investigating officers, according to Maktoob Media, have revealed that the FIR was initiated based on directives from higher officials. The story addresses the criticism faced by Kerala Police for detaining Muslim youth without substantial leads during the Kalamaserry blast investigation in October 2023. The blast has resulted in five fatalities.
The report includes quotes from community leaders and advocates who highlight alleged institutional bias faced by Muslims in Kerala by law enforcement agencies. Statements from two police officers to the incident are also featured in the story.
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“We stand by the report and the reporter who is facing an arbitrary police investigation. We have reached out to the reporter and ensured legal aid from the organisation,” a communication released by the Maktoob Media said.
The media house has also said that the police in an unusual move, visited the reporter’s house despite him showing willingness to cooperate with the investigation. And interestingly, the case has been registered in the local station near the residence of the editor, in Kozhikode.
“The FIR threatens the journalistic independence of reporting stories without reprisal,” the communication said while adding that “Maktoob has been singled out for reporting an important story that holds police accountable”.
Calling attention to the issue, Maktoob urged the Kerala government to quash the arbitrary case, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding journalists” safety in the state.
Vatakara police station has confirmed to Timeline. that an FIR has been filed in this matter under IPC 153.
