Press conference: for release of Kishorechandra with retd SC judge and former Press Council chairman

Human Rights Law Network

Office of Press & Information

Press Invite:

Demanding Immediate Release of Journalist Keshorchadra Wangkhem detained under National Security

Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) along with Manipur Students' Association Delhi, have organized a Press Conference on January 29 at 3 pm condemning the attack on free speech and journalism at the Press Club of India and standing in support and solidarity with journalist Keshorchandra Wangkhem.

Keshorechandra Wangkhem, a journalist in Manipur, was arrested under National Security Act (NSA) on November 27, 2018, for a video he uploaded on social media. In the video, Keshorechandra is seen criticizing the N. Biren Singh’s government for comparing the fight of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi against the British with that of Manipur’s freedom movement against the colonial rule.

The government’s decision to detain the journalist under NSA came as a shock to the journalist and human rights community. On November 26, a day before his detention under NSA, a lower court hearing a charge of sedition brought against Wangkhem for the same video, had released him on bail stating that what was said in the video was not seditious in nature. Less than 24 hours after he was released on court’s order, Keshorechandra was picked up by local police and later charged under the NSA.

Please join us at Press Club on January 29 at 3pm.

Speakers:

1) Justice Markandey Katju, former Judge of Supreme Court of India, former chairman of Press Council of India.

2) Colin Gonsalves, Senior Advocate of Supreme Court of India, Founder of Human Rights Law Network (HRLN)

3) Ranjita Elangbam, Wife of Keshorchandra Wangkhem

4) Shreeji Bhavsar, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Lawyer at HRLN

5) Sabina Inderjit, General Secy. Indian Journalist Union (IGU)

6) Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, Deputy Editor at The Wire

7) Thokchom Veewon, President, Manipur Students Association Delhi

Thanking You

Contact details:

Mayank Manohar