New Delhi – India has responded to Germany for criticizing the arrest of Mohammad Zubair, the co-founder of digital media firm ‘Alt News’. Indian Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that this is an internal matter of India and is under the consideration of the court. India’s legal system is independent. He also clarified that any opinion about it is not useful and correct.
The German Foreign Ministry said that freedom of the press applies to India like others. Germany stated that it is aware of Zubair’s case and is closely monitoring the matter. It is hoped that democratic values will get enough space in India. The restrictions are worrisome. Journalists should not be tortured or jailed for what they write and say.
Muhammad Zubair was arrested by the Delhi Police on June 27 on the charge of hurting religious sentiments. The case has been registered under Indian Penal Code sections 153 (incitement with intent to create riot) and 295 (defamation of religious groups). The case was registered on a complaint related to some tweets made by Zubair in 2018. On Thursday, Zubair was remanded in custody for another 14 days.
English Summary: On Fact-Checker Mohammed Zubair’s Arrest, India Responds To German