In a recent turn of events, journalist Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek finds himself at the center of a growing controversy after the Vadakara Police Station in Kozhikode district registered an Suo Moto FIR against him. The FIR, filed under section 153 of the Indian Penal Code, alleges that the journalist's online report on the Kalamaserry blast backlash aimed to incite societal unrest by portraying the police as anti-Muslim. The report, published on October 31, 2023, by Maktoob Media, Malayalam online portal shed light on the Kerala police's detention of a Muslim youth with no apparent leads in the Kalamaserry blast investigation. The journalist interviewed police officers connected to the incident and quoted community leaders and advocates who decried institutional bias against Muslims in Kerala's law enforcement agencies. On November 17, 2023, Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek was summoned to Vadakara Police Station for questioning. During the inquiry, the police seized the journalist's mobile phone and SIM card. Human Rights Defenders Alert India (HRDA) strongly believes that the registration of FIR and seizure of the phone and Sim card is a is an act of reprisal for his activism as a journalist. these actions are asserting that they undermine the crucial role of a free media as the fourth pillar of Indian democracy. The incident brings to the forefront the delicate balance between the right to freedom of speech and expression, as enshrined in Article 19(a) of the Indian Constitution, and the challenges faced by journalists and human rights defenders (HRDs). This constitutional right encompasses the freedom to hold opinions without interference, access information, and impart information and ideas. HRDA India demands following action from NHRC-

• To direct the Director General of Investigation of the NHRC to initiate a transparent, independent inquiry to illegal and uncompounded charges on journalist Mr. Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek by police personnel of Vadakara, Kozhikode district police station, and submit a report to the NHRC within two weeks.
• To direct the Director General of Police of Kerala to produce within 48 hours copies of all relevant documents pertaining to the FIR and investigation against the journalist for an independent examination by the Hon’ble Commission.