In a significant escalation of legal challenges, Mohammed Zubair, the prominent Indian fact-checker and co-founder of the widely recognized AltNews, finds himself back in court facing grave accusations. The Allahabad High Court is set to hear a new petition regarding Zubair, who stands accused by police in Uttar Pradesh of “endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.” This accusation, which follows a previous Supreme Court order granting him bail two years ago, poses severe consequences, including a potential lengthy prison sentence.
Zubair categorically denies the allegations, insisting that his critical work is the catalyst for the harassment he faces. He voiced to the BBC, “I feel I’m being targeted because of the work I do,” emphasizing his commitment to calling out hate crimes and narratives targeting vulnerable communities. His latest legal troubles are linked to a post he made on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting incendiary remarks made by the controversial Hindu priest Yati Narsinghanand, who has a history of inciting violence against Muslims.
Further complicating the situation, after Zubair's social media post drew attention to Narsinghanand's anti-Muslim rhetoric, a wave of protests ensued outside the priest's temple, prompting police to arrest several individuals. In response to growing tensions between Zubair and the supporters of Narsinghanand, complaints were officially lodged against Zubair by members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The initial allegations against Zubair were considered less severe, focusing on accusations of defamation and promoting enmity among religious groups. However, the severity of the charges has intensified, notably with the addition of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which rights experts contend could lead to imminent arrest. Zubair's legal team is actively seeking bail, with assertions that multiple journalists publicly shared the same video prior to his post.
Colleagues and rights advocates argue that this legal pursuit represents a broader campaign against those challenging the status quo, with Pratik Sinha, co-founder of AltNews, labeling it a “witch-hunt.” He remarked on the unusual timing of the heightened charges, suggesting involvement from government entities rather than simply the reaction of Narsinghanand's supporters.
Criticism surrounding the allegations against Zubair has intensified, drawing condemnation from human rights organizations and media bodies in India. Many assert that Section 152 serves as a modern-day silencing tool for journalists and activists, harkening back to colonial-era laws designed to quash free expression. Amnesty International highlighted the trend of criminalizing those asserting their rights, underscoring Zubair’s case as emblematic of broader systemic issues concerning freedom of expression in India.
Zubair’s situation is not isolated; past actions by the Indian government have drawn derision from international observers and the United Nations, with a clear call to uphold journalistic freedoms. Despite facing multiple arrests and prolonged detentions related to previous accusations, Zubair remains a resilient figure in Indian journalism, advocating for accountability against hate speech while facing relentless pressures.
India’s media landscape has become increasingly perilous, ranking 159th out of 180 in the Global Press Freedom index, according to Reporters Without Borders. The comprehensive threats against journalists—including harassment and imprisonment—pose significant barriers to free and fair journalism. The ongoing saga of Zubair highlights urgent debates on the responsibilities of media, the implications of legal accountability, and the outcry for human rights protections within the realm of journalism in India.
