The Rejaz Solidarity Forum convened a protest at Vanchi Square, Kochi, demanding the immediate release of independent journalist Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, who has been lodged in Nagpur jail since May under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Sydeek was arrested following his social media criticism of Operation Sindoor.
The demonstration was held on the death anniversary of freedom fighter Jatin Das, who died in Lahore jail after a 63-day hunger strike in 1929. Organisers drew parallels between colonial-era suppression and the present use of stringent laws, asserting that legislation like UAPA should not be wielded to silence dissent.
Advocate Pramod Puzhangara, opening the event, stressed that bail must remain the democratic norm and warned that incarcerations without sufficient evidence undermine civil liberties.
Delivering the keynote, journalist Siddique Kappan — arrested in 2020 en route to Hathras and later released on bail — lauded Sydeek’s work “highlighting the struggles of Dalits, victims of Islamophobia”, and those affected by global human rights violations such as in Palestine. He dismissed the charges against Sydeek as fabricated, likening them to the allegations once made against himself.
Student representative Niharika, from the Democratic Students Association, said prisons are increasingly being weaponised to silence political voices. She argued that Sydeek faces “dual persecution” for both his leftist political stance and his identity as a Muslim.
Around 40 people joined the peaceful gathering. However, organisers alleged that Kerala Police, after the event, demanded participant details, citing privacy and safety concerns. When organisers refused, police allegedly attempted to detain them. Two attendees — Hari P.G. and Shaneer E. — were taken into custody, with claims of police manhandling, including women participants, in the absence of lady officers.
The detainees were booked under FIR No. 11278/25 at Ernakulam Central Police Station and later released on station bail. Police also filed cases against organisers and speakers, citing unlawful assembly, blocking traffic, and use of loudspeakers without permission.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister and Kochi City Police Commissioner, alleging that Siddique Kappan’s participation violated his bail conditions.
Activists condemned the Kerala Police’s action, calling it reflective of a “double standard” by the CPI(M)-led state government, which, they said, is complicit in curbing democratic dissent while claiming to defend it.
