Rights body concern over Jaiklong arrest

Amid simmering protest over the arrest of Jaiklong Brahma, the Amnesty International India has asked the Assam government to release the Kokrajhar journalist and guarantee him a fair trial meeting international standards. A press statement issued by the organization reads that Brahma was arrested on September 2 in connection with Kokrajhar PS Case No 367/2014, under Sections 120(B), 121, 121(A), 122 and 109 of the IPC, read with Sections 10(B), 13(B) and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2008, a week later he was detained under the National Security Act (NSA). These Sections cover various criminal offences including multiple counts of conspiracy, being a member of an “unlawful association” and “inciting unlawful activities”. Expressing concern over Brahma’s detention under the NSA, Amnesty International India said the journalist now runs a risk of being detained for 12 months without charge or trial.