The Delhi Police has filed an 8,000-page chargesheet against NewsClick and its founder Prabir Purkayastha for offences including terror funding and promoting Chinese propaganda. Purkayastha, who is being investigated under the anti-terror law UAPA, has been accused of receiving funding to broadcast Chinese propaganda in India and has been linked to the farmers' protests and the 2020 Delhi riots. The chargesheet also alleges that NewsClick engaged in a malicious disinformation campaign and instigated protests against the CAA and NRC, while Purkayastha have connections with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba and Communist Party of India (Maoist). The case has been set for hearing on May 31.
NewsClick Indictment: Delhi Police Files Chargesheet Alleging Terrorism and Chinese Propaganda
Background
NewsClick is an Indian news website and YouTube channel founded by Prabir Purkayastha in 2016. It has been critical of the Modi government and has reported on issues such as farmer protests, communal violence, and environmental concerns.
Chargesheet
On April 28, 2023, the Delhi Police filed an 8,000-page chargesheet against NewsClick and Purkayastha under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The chargesheet alleges:
Connections to Terrorism
The chargesheet also alleges that Purkayastha and NewsClick have connections to terrorist organizations, including:
Response from NewsClick and Purkayastha
NewsClick has denied the allegations, calling them "baseless and politically motivated." Purkayastha has accused the government of trying to silence critical voices in the media.
FAQs
The UAPA is an Indian anti-terrorism law that gives authorities the power to designate organizations and individuals as terrorists. It has been criticized for its broad definition of terrorism and for allowing for arbitrary arrests and detentions.
The chargesheet does not provide details on the specific evidence against NewsClick and Purkayastha. The police have said that they have collected digital evidence, witness statements, and financial records.
If convicted under the UAPA, NewsClick and Purkayastha could face imprisonment for up to seven years. The chargesheet could also lead to the government taking action to ban NewsClick and seize its assets.
The chargesheet has been widely condemned by media organizations and journalists in India and abroad. They have accused the government of using the UAPA to silence dissent and suppress critical reporting.
The case against NewsClick and Purkayastha raises concerns about the freedom of the press in India under the Modi government. It also highlights the growing trend of using anti-terrorism laws to target political opponents and dissenting voices.
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