A large number of civil society organisations have expressed strong concern at the charges framed by the Karnataka Police against journalist Shahina K.K. for her investigative report on the Bangalore bomb blast case.“We are shocked at the growing human rights violations in the name of tackling terrorism. We strongly urge the Karnataka government to drop the charges against Shahina and create a harmonious environment for both freedom of expression as well as for the minorities,” a statement endorsed by at least two dozen civil society organisations and magazines said.
Ms. Shahina's recent article — which showed that witnesses in the Bangalore blast case were fragile, false and forced — has led her to be implicated with charges under Section 506 of the IPC, which can lead to seven years of imprisonment. The statement was endorsed, among others, by the All-India Secular Forum, People's Union for Civil Liberties, INSAF, South Indian Cell for Human Rights Education & Monitoring, Delhi Forum and Saheli.
