Kappan, a journalist who had been imprisoned for two years in India, was released from jail on Wednesday following an order by the Supreme Court of India. Kappan was first arrested in October 2019 and had been in jail since then.
Kappan was arrested on allegations of spreading communal disharmony, a charge which the Supreme Court said was not substantiated with enough evidence. The apex court also directed that Kappan be released from jail, provided he pays a fine of Rs. 1 lakh and furnishes a bond of Rs. 50,000.
The court order was welcomed by civil rights activists, who celebrated the release of the journalist. Kappan, who had faced immense hardship during his imprisonment, walked out of jail in the presence of his family members and supporters.
The journalist’s release has been seen as a victory for the freedom of press in India. The Supreme Court’s ruling has also restored faith in the judicial process, with many civil society organisations hailing it as a “victory of justice”.
Kappan, who is now a free man, thanked the court for hearing his case and delivering a “just judgment”. He also thanked his family and supporters who had stood by him through the difficult period of his imprisonment. Kappan has vowed to continue his fight for justice and freedom of expression.
The release of the Kappan editor and news editor is seen as a victory for freedom of speech and expression, with many seeing it as a sign of the government's willingness to respect the right to freedom of expression.
