Assam Journalist Released from Custody, Protests Erupt Across State
Dilwar Hussain Mozumder, a journalist from Assam, was released from judicial custody on Saturday after being granted bail in a second case by a court. Mozumder’s lawyer confirmed that he had been released after spending a night in custody, following a court order granting him bail in the second case.
The journalist, who is also the assistant general secretary of Gauhati Press Club, was initially arrested by Guwahati police on Tuesday midnight in connection with a case filed by a bank employee. He was granted bail in the first case on Wednesday, but was arrested again the next day in a second case filed by the managing director of the bank for allegedly attempting to steal valuable bank documents.
The arrest of Mozumder had sparked widespread protests and outrage among journalists and civil society organizations, with many questioning the manner of his apprehension. On Saturday, protests were held in various parts of the state, including those organized by the Congress, Raijor Dal, and a conglomerate of Left parties, against the alleged infringement of freedom of the press. Effigies of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were also burned at various places, including in Guwahati, by opposition parties.
Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Sarma claimed that journalism is a noble profession, but it should not be mixed with other activities. He maintained that he has no problem with any journalist writing against him and that he has been subject to criticism for years, but still visits journalists who write against him and tries to be with them in case of illness or problem.
However, Sarma also emphasized that if a journalist engages in other activities, the law is equal for all. “If, as chief minister, tomorrow I grab other’s land, I will also be arrested. Law is equal for all,” he asserted.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and protection of journalists in Assam, with many calling for an end to the targeting of scribes by the authorities. The matter is expected to be closely watched by media organizations and press freedom advocates across the country.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-scribe-dilwar-hussian-freed-amid-nationwide-uproar-over-press-freedom-1191145-2025-03-29?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-29 21:40:00
