Activist Rejaz Sydeek Marks One Year Behind Bars Without Trial Under UAPA
Sydeek MB took a long leave from his post-retirement job in April this year to support his son, Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, an activist and independent journalist who has been imprisoned for a year under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The 60-year-old father expressed concern about his wife Sheeba’s loneliness in their Ernakulam flat, as Rejaz had been the emotional anchor of the household since their elder son moved abroad. The family now relies on brief 10-minute weekday calls and a weekly 20-minute video conference with Rejaz, who is held in Nagpur Central Jail.
Rejaz was arrested on May 7 last year from his Nagpur hotel room, with UAPA charges added a week later. Authorities seized Marxist-Leninist literature and electronic devices allegedly linked to the banned CPI (Maoist) group. The initial FIR included sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and IT Act, but only UAPA Sections 38 and 353(1) of BNS remain in the chargesheet. The National Investigation Agency handed the case to the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad after initial interest.
The 27-year-old activist, known for social justice advocacy and pro-Palestinian organizing, was allegedly pressured during interrogation to become an approver against Maoist leader Murali Kannempilly or inform on cases he had campaigned for, including the Bheema Koregaon case. Police claim he worked for a CPI (Maoist) front and was part of their core WhatsApp group, though his leadership in the Democratic Students Association is not banned.
The 1981-page chargesheet accuses Rejaz of links to Kashmiri groups, Popular Front of India, and ISIS, using his pro-Palestine activism as evidence. Most of the 49 witnesses are his friends, with only two confidential witnesses testifying against him. Authorities cited 40 Instagram posts and 126 Facebook activities as proof of alleged incitement, which Rejaz disputes, stating his Palestinian Islamic Jihad posts were misinterpreted as ISIS support.
Rejaz, a freelance journalist covering human rights violations for Maktoob and other outlets, remains the sole accused. His family hopes for bail, noting no direct link between his alleged incitement and actions. After a year of incarceration without trial, activists and friends have campaigned for his release. Sydeek has actively supported his son’s defense, challenging prosecution claims with collected evidence, maintaining Rejaz’s innocence and commitment to justice.