IT News
New Delhi, Dec 26,
Colin Gonsalves, the Founder of Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) in an exclusive interview to Journalist Seram Rojesh at New Delhi, has extended his full support to the hue and cry of the right thinking people against the detention of Kishorechanda Wangkhem under National Security Act.
“To say that Rani Jhansi has nothing to do with Manipur , whether right or wrong, is absolutely protected by Freedom of Expression. He may be right or he may be wrong, but there is nobody in the country who can prosecute a journalist or anybody for that matter on the basis of statement which is seemingly offence to some very conservative or right wing society; it is protected by freedom of expression”, Colin Gonsalves said.
The founder of the HRNL further said that to use a “F” word or to use a swear word is a part of freedom of Expression. Giving observation to the statement which Kishorechandra Wangkhemcha has uploaded in Social media expressing his anger Colin Gonsalves said that the detent journalist has lawfully and justifiably use the swear word.
“It is lawfully used , it is justifiably used and for the state to trial to such person is totally wrong”, the renowned activist said.
He appealed the case of Kishorechandra be moved to the High Court immediately and gets bail in this matter.
“Not only he should gets bail but this entire prosecution should be quashed”, Colin Gonsalves said and added that on the face of the FIR even if accepted the content be correct, to use a swear word is totally permissible under the constitution of India. It is part of Freedom of Expression and every Journalist , every Human Rights activist should stand up support Kishorechand in this tyrannical use of law against him, he added.
Colin Gonsalves also stated that Human Rights Network Law Network stands fully with Kishorechandra Wangkhem and said that victory will be on the side of the journalist as what done is totally unconstitutional.
During the the Annual General Body Meeting 2018(AGM 2018) of Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) held at Rajasthan from 19th December to 23rd December 2018 various issues of human rights violations in many parts of India including the arrest of a journalist in Manipur, Mr. Kishorechandra Wangkhemcha for using “F” word under NSA by the present government of Manipur was also discussed.
Mr. Kishorchandra was arrested for his Facebook post criticizing the government of Manipur for organizing the birth anniversary of Rani Jhansi in Manipur.
On this case of Kishorechandra, Mr Shreeji Vhavsar, senior advocate of the Supreme Court, associated with HRLN had gone to Imphal to meet Mrs. Ranjita Wankhemcha, the wife of Mr. Kishorechandra and went to Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa to meet him on 20th December 2018. Even after 3 hours of waiting, the jail officials didn’t allow the advocate to meet his client.
