Friends and family seek release of jailed student activist and journalist Rejaz M
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Thiruvananthapuram: Family, friends and human rights advocates have renewed calls for the release of 26-year-old student activist and journalist Rejaz M. Sydeek, who on Friday completed 100 days in jail under charges including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Rejaz, a member of the Democratic Students Association (DSA) and an independent journalist from Kerala, was arrested on 7 May by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) over alleged “anti-India” and “anti-Indian Army” social media posts during Operation Sindoor. He has also been accused of links to banned organisations, including the Communist Party of India (Maoist), a claim his family firmly denies.
A freelance contributor to several independent outlets, including Maktoob, Rejaz has reported extensively on human rights and the civil liberties of marginalised communities. The investigation is being led by the ATS’s Nagpur unit.
“He is not anti-national. He cares deeply for people and society,” said his father, Sydeek M.B., a retired history teacher. He added that the family flew the national flag at their home for Independence Day and that Rejaz had always taken part in such observances.
Sydeek pointed to his son’s involvement in COVID-19 relief work and his support during the Wayanad landslides as evidence of his commitment to social causes. Neighbors, he said, have stood by the family, calling the allegations unfounded. “They all know it is a false allegation,” he added.
Addressing reports that books seized by the ATS were being used as evidence, Sydeek noted: “Karl Marx’s book is something I use for reference as a teacher. It’s not banned in India. How does it become a crime?”
Under the UAPA, investigators have up to 180 days to file a chargesheet. In Rejaz’s case, a court granted a 60-day extension after the initial 90-day deadline expired, according to the family.
Rights groups say the arrest reflects a growing pattern of journalists and student activists being targeted under broad anti-terror provisions. As Rejaz remains in custody, his family continues to hope for bail and what they describe as long-overdue justice.