Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has come out strongly against the arrest of three people for allegedly screening the award-winning documentary “Ram Ke Naam” in Hyderabad.
Here are the key points of Owaisi’s statement:
- Condemns arrests: He condemned the arrests as a “witch hunt” and questioned the logic behind stopping the screening and filing an FIR.
- Defends documentary: Owaisi defended the documentary, calling it an award-winning film that has been screened across the country without any controversy. He questioned the claim that it hurt religious sentiments.
- Mockingly targets government: He sarcastically asked if the government now requires pre-screening certificates from the police before watching any movie.
- Demands explanation: Owaisi demanded an explanation from the Rachakonda Police as to why the screening was stopped and why an FIR was filed.
- Highlights potential bias: He raised concerns about potential bias against the Muslim community in the police action.
Further context:
- The screening of “Ram Ke Naam” was stopped midway on Sunday at a restaurant in Hyderabad following a complaint by a Hindu group alleging it contained derogatory content against their religion.
- An FIR was registered against the organizers under sections 290 (public nuisance) and 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code.
- Owaisi’s statement has sparked debate on freedom of expression and the potential for misuse of religious sentiments in India.