No respite for Syed Mohammad Kazmi

A Delhi court has extended the police custody of veteran Indian journalist Syed Mohammad Kazmi for 90 more days.

 

Kazmi was arrested in March, 2012 in connection with the February 13 attack on an Israeli diplomat in the national capital.

 

The court rejected Kazmi\\\’s bail plea saying "the bail plea stands dismissed" as the police plea for extension of probe period has been allowed.

 

While demanding extension of probe period from 90 to 180 days, the agency has said the details of mobile number used by Kazmi and details of an Iranian SIM card recovered from his possession are yet to be obtained from Georgia, Thailand, Malaysia and Iran.

 

Kazmi had filed an application on April 2 before Vinod Yadav, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) of Tis Hazari Courts of Delhi, he was forced to confess.

 

 “I was forced to sign on papers which were not given for reading. I was also made to sign on blank papers…When I refused; I was constantly threatened about my life and well being of my family. The Delhi Police Special Cell people were doing all things as per their will without caring for law,” the application stated.

 

Journalists from all across the world have been protesting against the arrest of Kazmi.

 

The  journalistic fraternity in India is aghast at the manner in which a senior journalist like Kazmi is being targeted.

 

The Delhi Union of Journalists had submitted the memorandum to Ambika Soni, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, demanding that Kazmi be released on bail till the investigation is complete. 

 

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) also joined its partner the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) in expressing deep concern at the arrest of Kazmi on terror charges.

 

“With all respect for the legal process in India, the IFJ is concerned that Kazmi may have been identified for arrest based on his political views, rather than solid evidence”, said the IFJ Asia-Pacific. 

 

Eminent citizens, academicians, film stars, civil society groups and activists have also condemned the arrest.

 

Since Kazmi’s arrest, several press conferences and protests have been organised demanding justice for Kazmi.

 

Many groups have also written to union home minister P Chidambaram in this regard.

 

The groups have been demanding withdrawal of the charges framed against Mr Kazmi under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act until the investigations are completed, to establish any kind of his involvement in the car bomb blast.

 

Kazmi’s is being denied bail even when he is ready to be available to assist the police whenever required.