Shillong, Mar 28: The Shillong Press Club (SPC) on Friday finally came out with a statement condemning the arrest of Assam journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar.
Mozumdar — who is the chief reporter at The CrossCurrent digital media organisation — was first arrested on Tuesday night and was re-arrested on Thursday on a fresh FIR lodged by the MD of Assam Co-operative Apex Bank.
Read: Why are Meghalaya journalists silent on Assam scribe’s arrest?
“The act of re-arresting him immediately after he was granted bail is not only deeply troubling but also a shocking abuse of legal process. This sequence of actions represents a direct attack on press freedom and the fundamental right to free expression. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Mr. Mozumder and demand his immediate and unconditional release,” SPC president DL Siangshai said in a statement.
Mozumdar’s arrest is a clear attack on press freedom and a means to intimidate journalists who are involved in investigative reporting against the political party in power. It is a nationwide trend to silence voices raised against the political powerhouse.
Siangshai said in a democratic society, the media plays an essential role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information.
“Attempts to suppress this role through coercion and intimidation are unacceptable and must be firmly resisted. We call upon the authorities to uphold the rule of law, respect the independence of the press, and protect the rights and dignity of media professionals. Such disturbing tactics must cease if we are to preserve the democratic values enshrined in our Constitution,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “It has come to my notice that some media houses have reported the arrest of a journalist by Assam Police. I would like to clarify that Assam Police has not arrested any journalist in recent times.”
The Pan Bazar police in Guwahati arrested Mozumdar.
