Editor’s Guild condemns AltNews co-founder Muhammad Zubair’s arrest
The Hindu
Fact-checking website AltNews’ co-founder Muhammad Zubair was arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on June 27
The Editors Guild of India on June 28 termed as “extremely disturbing” the arrest of AltNews co-founder Muhammad Zubair on charges of hurting religious sentiments, and demanded his immediate release.
“It is apparent that AltNews‘ alert vigilance was resented by those who use disinformation as a tool to polarise society and rake nationalist sentiments,” the Guild said in a statement in New Delhi.
The fact-checking website’s co-founder was arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on June 27 on charges of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and deliberate acts to outrage religious feeling of the Indian Penal Code.
“Zubair has been arrested under Sections 153 and 295 of the Indian Penal Code. This is extremely disturbing because Zubair and his website AltNews have done some exemplary work over the past few years in identifying fake news and countering disinformation campaigns, in a very objective and factual manner,” the Guild said.
It demanded that the Delhi Police should immediately release Mr. Zubair.
“This is necessary to buttress the commitments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the G7 meet in Germany to ensure a resilient democracy by protecting online and offline content,” the Guild statement said.
Earlier, a body of digital news media organisations had condemned Mr. Zubair’s arrest and asked the Delhi Police to withdraw the case against him immediately.
RMC Chennai predicts cyclonic storm, leading to exam postponements and school closures in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Controversial statement by Chandrashekhar Swami calls for stripping Muslims of voting rights for peaceful coexistence, sparking outrage.
VIT Chennai partners with Vijaya Electronics to develop cutting-edge DC motor for specific application, aiming for transformative impact.
In October 2024, RGIA recorded nearly 2.5 million passengers, a 22% increase compared to October 2023.
Mahindra & Mahindra unveils electric SUVs BE 6e and XEV 9e with 500-km range, competitive pricing, and cutting-edge features.
N Chandrababu Naidu directs officials to develop iconic Deep Technology building in Amaravati, focusing on AI and innovation.
A 24-year-old cryptocurrency trader lost tether coins worth ₹46 lakh after he was cheated by three persons claiming to be buyers of crypto coins in exchange for Indian currency. A FIR has been registered at the CEN police station.
Puducherry celebrates 75 years of Indian Constitution with events attended by Chief Minister, ministers, and officials.
35th district school arts festival at Kottakkal featuring 315 events, tribal dances, and student winners in various categories.
Man arrested for stealing fossil from IITF stall in Delhi, confesses to theft, booked under theft section.
Kilimanoor and Thiruvananthapuram North sub-district shared the top position on second day of the District School Arts Festival at Neyyattinkara on Tuesday.