Shocking: Kerala student faces life imprisonment for not standing during National Anthem

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 8: A 25-year-old student from Kerala has been arrested in a controversial circumstances. The student, who has been identified as Salman M, faced life imprisonment.

Salman has been charged with sedition as well as under section 66A under the Information Technology Act for allegedly publishing abusive social media posts about Independence Day on Aug 15.

According to sources, the young student was arrested following a heated argument at a theater where he and his friends did not stand when National Anthem was played ahead of screening of a movie.

Shailesh Rai, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India, criticised Salman's arrest and possible sentencing and claimed, "A criminal charge for such conduct, even if some might regard it as offensive, is completely unwarranted."

Continuing his statement, Rai also said, "Nobody should have to go to prison merely because they are accused of causing offense."

He also added, "The Constitution of India and international law recognize the right to freedom of expression, and this right extends to speech that offends or disturbs. Authorities must respect this fundamental right, not seek to curb it."

OneIndia News