Case against Shia Muslims protesting Hassan Nasrallah's assassination in UP’s Amethi
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The Uttar Pradesh police have filed a case against 11 named individuals and nearly 40 unidentified Muslims for participating in a protest march in Amethi district on October 1, responding to the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike.
Nasrallah’s death, which occurred on September 27 in Beirut, Lebanon, has ignited protests across several regions in India, particularly in Amethi and Lucknow.
Protestors in Amethi gathered in the Jais area to express their anger and solidarity over Nasrallah’s killing. Holding pictures of the Hezbollah leader, they chanted slogans against Israel, condemning its actions in Palestine and Lebanon. The protest, which was unauthorised, was stopped by the police near Jama Masjid, where participants were detained and later released on bail.
In Amethi, the police intervened during a candlelight march that was organised without official permission. Under the jurisdiction of the Jais police circle, the march was halted near Jama Masjid, and the participants were informed that their assembly was illegal. Videos of the protest were recorded by police officers, who later registered a case under multiple charges, including unlawful assembly and disobedience of a public order.
The charges were filed under Section 189(2) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), which prohibits the assembly of five or more persons without prior authorisation, and Section 223(a), which addresses the disobedience of lawful orders issued by public servants.
On October 2, police conducted raids in the area, leading to the arrest of eight individuals from their homes. The accused were presented before a magistrate and granted bail shortly thereafter. The investigation into the protest continues, with the police reviewing video footage to identify additional participants. The Station House Officer of Jais has confirmed that further arrests will be made based on available evidence, and the police are monitoring the situation to prevent any further unrest.
In response to the police action, the All India Shia Personal Law Board has voiced its condemnation, criticising the authorities for targeting individuals who were expressing grief and solidarity over Nasrallah’s death. The board has called for the withdrawal of all cases against the protestors.
Shia Muslims in Lucknow have also organised significant demonstrations, particularly between September 28 and October 1, culminating in a large march from Chhota Imambara to Aasifi Imambara.