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NEW DELHI-In a concerning development, six Muslim students, including four girls, have been arrested in Kerala for putting up posters advocating support for Palestinians who are facing distress due to the ongoing conflict with Israeli forces. The students, affiliated with the Fraternity Movement and from Farook College in Kozhikode district, were booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The incident took place when the students were sticking pro-Palestine posters on a Starbucks store near a beach in the coastal city of Kozhikode. The posters reportedly bore messages such as “Free Palestine” and “Caution Contents May Fund Genocide.”
Waseem Mansoor, leader of the Fraternity Movement at Farook College, clarified that the students aimed to create a video highlighting brands supporting the conflict in Gaza. According to Mansoor, the actions caused no property damage or provocation, and the posters were promptly removed by the store’s staff.
Despite this, the students were booked, and their car was seized by the police. The charges include allegations related to rioting. The Fraternity Movement emphasized that calling for a boycott is not an incitement to riot and criticized the police for escalating the charges without reason.
Labeeb Kayakodi, Vice President of the Fraternity Movement in Kerala, stated that the charges against the students were unfounded and warned of a state-wide boycott if the cases were not withdrawn. He argued that the students’ actions were a peaceful expression of free speech, shedding light on the sensitivities surrounding discussions on international conflicts within India.
This incident raises questions about freedom of expression and the ability of individuals to peacefully advocate for causes they believe in, even on an international scale, without facing legal repercussions. It also highlights the need for a nuanced approach in handling such situations to safeguard democratic values and ensure a fair assessment of intentions behind advocacy efforts.