(RSF/IFEX) – R.R. Gopal, editor of the Tamil-language magazine “Nakkheeran”, has been sent to prison in Poonnamalle, near Chennai. Judge L.Rajendran formally charged him with “conspiring to promote the secession of Tamil Nadu state” and “possession of a firearm” under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). It is the first time a journalist had been […]
(RSF/IFEX) – R.R. Gopal, editor of the Tamil-language magazine “Nakkheeran”, has been sent to prison in Poonnamalle, near Chennai. Judge L.Rajendran formally charged him with “conspiring to promote the secession of Tamil Nadu state” and “possession of a firearm” under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). It is the first time a journalist had been charged in India under the controversial law.
Police said they found a weapon on Gopal, along with leaflets published by a Tamil separatist movement. His colleagues and family said the charges, which were reported to the media by the state’s chief minister, are false. The editor’s father said he feared for his son’s life.
