The arrest of BOL News Islamabad Bureau Chief Siddique Jan has triggered a strong reaction from the nation. Members from the country’s media and legal fraternity, along with political leaders, are condemning the arrest.
Siddique Jan was taken away by men in plain clothes outside the BOL News Office in Islamabad. CCTV footage showed over 25-30 men come outside and take away Siddique Jan in a car.
He has been accused of sharing some videos of the police shelling on the PTI supporters outside the Federal Judicial Complex and inciting violence against law enforcement agencies.
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As soon as the news of Jan’s arrest broke out, #ReleaseSiddiqueJan became the top trend on Twitter in Pakistan. The country’s journalist body is demanding his release meanwhile criticizing the government for violating human rights and freedom of speech in the country.
“How long will journalists continue to be arrested, abducted, fired, and threatened for doing their duty? The arrest of Siddique Jan is condemnable. Restrictions on freedom of expression are old tactics,” journalist Arif Hameed Bhatti said.
آخر کب تک صحافیوں کو فرض کی ادائیگی پر گرفتار ، اغوا ، نوکریوں سے نکلوانے اور دھمکیوں دینے کا سلسلہ جاری رہے گا؟صدیق جان@SdqJaan کی گرفتاری قابل مذمت ہے۔ اظہار رائے پر قدغن پرانے ہتھکنڈے ہیں
— Arif Hameed Bhatti (@arifhameed15) March 20, 2023
“The arrest of another senior journalist Siddique Jan in Pakistan by the fascist government of PMLN is highly condemnable. International press freedom bodies and free speech organizations must take notice of this situation in Pakistan,” journalist Ahmad Noorani said.
The arrest of another senior journalist Siddique Jan in Pakistan by a fascist government of PMLN is highly condemnable. International press freedom bodies and free speech organizations must take notice of this situation in Pakistan.@pressfreedom @RSF_inter @RSF_en pic.twitter.com/3q41XhFUdQ
— Ahmad Noorani (@Ahmad_Noorani) March 20, 2023
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the arrest of Siddique Jan and has announced to hold countrywide protests today. A large number of journalists and journalistic bodies also gathered at BOL News office to show solidarity with Siddique Jan.
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PTI leaders have also expressed solidarity with Siddique Jan while criticizing the government for the crackdown against journalists.
“Strongly condemn the arrest of Siddique Jan Bol News Bureau Chief Islamabad Anyone thought to be pro-PTI is now brazenly targeted. Imran Riaz, Jamil Faruqi, Sabir Shakir, Sami Ibrahim, Ch Ghulam Hussain, and Moeed Pirzada – all victimized. Arshad Sharif murdered. BOL & ARY owners targeted,” PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan said.
Strongly condemn arrest of Siddique Jan Bol news Bureau Chief Islamabad Anyone thought to be pro PTI is now brazenly targeted. Imran Riaz,Jamil Faruqi, Sabir Shakir,Sami Ibrahim,Ch Ghulam Hussain,Moeed Pirzada – all victimised. Arshad Sharif murdered. BOL & ARY owners targeted. pic.twitter.com/xL5IZQfLGt
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 20, 2023