Kochi, 14 Sept

Police have registered a case against journalist Siddique Kappan and 10 others over a solidarity event in Kochi against the arrest of Kerala-based journalist Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek.

The protest, organised by human rights groups at Vanchi Square near the Kerala High Court on Saturday evening, was also joined by activists from SDPI and the Welfare Party. Sydeek, arrested in Nagpur, faces charges under the UAPA for allegedly criticising Operation Sindoor.

According to the FIR, around 30 people gathered without permission, used microphones, raised slogans against the UAPA, and obstructed pedestrian movement. When police intervened, most dispersed, though two clashed with officers before being taken into custody and later released on bail.

The FIR names Neeharika Pradaush, Pramod Puzhangara, Ambika, CP Rasheed, Sajid Khalid, Baburaj Bhagavathy, VM Faisal, Mrudhula Bhavani, Dr Hari, Shaneer, and Kappan. The case was filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Kerala Police Act.

The BJP’s Ernakulam district committee also complained, alleging Kappan’s participation violated Supreme Court-imposed bail conditions.

Kappan was previously arrested in Uttar Pradesh in 2020 while covering the Hathras case and spent two years in jail under UAPA charges before being released on bail.