AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL INDIA has asked authorities in Chhattisgarh to look into serious allegations of torture, drop charges against journalist Prabhat Singh for allegedly sharing a message on Whatsapp underlining the absence of any kind of protection extended to journalists by the state police, and release him without delay.
‘The authorities must respect the crucial work of the media and human rights defenders and refrain from apparent attempts to silence them through arbitrary arrests and torture. This is violating the victim’s human rights and sending a chilling message to those who want to speak out and express grievances. There must now be an independent investigation into allegations of torture. Intimidation and harassment cannot become order of the day in Chattisgarh,’ said Tara Rao, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India.
Known for his reports denouncing police inaction and excesses, Prabhat has been under the police’s watch for a long time.
According to Prabhat Singh’s lawyer Xitiz Dubey, “Prabhat was picked up by the police on Monday and was in their custody without a first information report (FIR) for one day. Finally, when he was produced in court on Tuesday, Prabhat told the judge about the torture he was subjected to in custody. His chest and hand had several marks resulting from such treatment.”
Prabhat, who is a stringer with the local newspaper Patrika, was arrested under Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology (IT) Act for “publishing and transmitting obscene material in electronic form.” He has also been charged for extortion and obstructing the police from duty which Singh claims to be false. A local court remanded Prabhat in judicial custody for a week. If convicted he could face imprisonment for up to three years. Prabhat, who was also working with a television network ETV News for two months, had his contract suspended allegedly under police coercion.
Journalists in this region have received threats from Samajik Ekta Manch, a vigilante organization that has often been alleged as being a front for the Bastar police.
‘The state government must ensure safety of journalists and investigate reports of police brutality. ’, added Tara Rao.
Torture violates Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a treaty binding on India. This provision is reflected in Article 21 of Indian Constitution, it sets out the non-derogable right to be free from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.