Lawfare – General, Others

In a continuing crackdown on pro-Palestine activism, Kerala’s Pazhayangadi Police filed an FIR against the Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO) in Kannur district for raising pro-Palestine slogans, flags, and banners during an unauthorized demonstration.

The FIR targets GIO Kerala General Secretary Afra Shihab and 30 other members, charging them under Sections 189(2), 191(2), and 192 read with 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for unlawful assembly, rioting, and liability for offenses by group members.

The suo-motu FIR alleges that on Friday, the group gathered at the ecologically sensitive Madayippara area with the intent to “commit an offense and disturb society” by chanting slogans like “Free, free Palestine,” “Down with occupation,” and “Israel is a terrorist state” without permission.

The police noted opposition from unspecified organizations but provided no details. The protest coincides with global outrage over Israel’s actions in Gaza, where, since October 7, 2023, approximately 64,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, and 162,005 wounded amid a prolonged blockade and famine. Critics have slammed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for hypocrisy, given its public support for Palestine.