Kerala CM Denounces Sedition Charges Against Journalists as Fascistic

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Assam Police's decision to summon journalists Karan Thapar and Siddharth Varadarajan on sedition charges. He condemned the move as part of a 'fascistic trend' aiming to suppress independent journalism, a cornerstone of democracy. Vijayan urged democratic forces to support journalists.

Devdiscourse News Desk | Thiruvananthapuram | Updated: 20-08-2025 16:44 IST | Created: 20-08-2025 16:44 IST

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Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala's Chief Minister, has fiercely criticized the Assam Police for summoning two senior journalists on sedition charges, describing it as a 'fascistic trend'. His condemnation was shared on X, emphasizing that journalism remains crucial to democracy.

'I vehemently oppose the FIRs against noted journalists Karan Thapar and Siddharth Varadarajan by Assam Police under the harsh Section 152 of BNS. This is an attempt to silence independent journalism, the very foundation of democracy, and forms part of a growing fascistic trend. Democratic forces must unify in defense of courageous truth-tellers,' Vijayan stated.

The Guwahati Police's demand for The Wire's senior journalists, Siddharth Varadarajan and Karan Thapar, to present themselves before the Crime Branch on August 22 has sparked widespread rebuke.

(With inputs from agencies.)