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I almost never write threads but today I’m making an exception to talk about the new threat to Indian journalism. So please bear with me… I believe it is important. I noticed it when writing our lead explainer for splainer on the topic today. https://splainer.in/posts/2020/Just-STFU-
Until recently, the most vulnerable journalists were regional reporters and editors. They were too small and vulnerable, and easy to bully, assault and even kill. The national media barely paid attention. This remains true even today.
But in recent months, the authorities have gone after the bigger national media personalities -- @VinodDua7 @sharmasupriya. Or journos who work for noted outlets: @AuqibJaveed w/ @Article14live or @peerashiq at @the_hindu
Recently, a 20-year old from Panipat filed a contempt petition against @sardesairajdeep --- which the AG in his generosity refused to entertain.
Why is that? I found the first hint in @peerashiq’s quote about the pattern in Kashmir -- where the police is targeting writers for national outlets: ‘When reporters in the district see well-known journalists being booked, it impacts their thought process.’
The second comes from SC advocate Sanjay Hegde who said this of the sedition law: These cases are often invoked against show-piece dissenters so that the rest fall in line. Governments are not really interested in convictions....
"...And the speaker is often left wondering whether that case will proceed further. It has a chilling effect on people who think and speak freely.” That’s the strategy. To throw every law in the book at carefully chosen, well-known targets to send the message: nobody is safe.
It’s a message that everyone hears loud and clear -- those who have the most to lose and the less powerful who understand their fate will be far worse. Here’s the explainer we did… please share widely! Also: a big thank you to my peers for their work. https://splainer.in/posts/2020/Just-STFU-
