Background

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Hindu nationalist party led by current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been strategically targeting Indian journalists, specifically those critical of the Indian government, since it took power in 2014. According to The Wire, at least 194 journalists were targeted across the country and by state agencies, non-state political actors, and armed opposition groups in 2022. Jammu and Kashmir are specifically ostracized and experienced the largest number of targeted journalists (48).

Activists and human rights advocates have expressed grave concerns over the immense crackdown on free speech in India, specifically in Kashmir, according to Wired. Since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, an increasing number of Kashmiri journalists have been summoned, have had their homes raided, and have had their electronic devices taken away by law enforcement.

Life and Activism

According to Newsclick, Majid Hyderi is the fourth Kashmiri journalist to have been charged under the Public Safety Act, demonstrating a dangerous trend of silencing critical Kashmiri voices through the PSA. Hyderi was arrested allegedly for intimidation, extortion, criminal conspiracy, giving false information, and defamation.

Charges and Allegations

Majid Hyderi was charged under the Public Safety Act and specifically under Sections 120-B, 177, 386 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), according to Newsclick.

Current Status

Hyderi was released on bail days after his initial arrest, but was immediately rearrested for another case, according to NDTV.