Arnab issues unsparing statement after Uddhav Govt tries to block, intimidate Republic

Republic's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami has issued an unsparing statement demanding immediate release of Republic's crew which has been in custody of Maharashtra government and police for days w, and amid an attempt to block Republic Media Network beaming to people's homes in state via threats against Cable operators.

Republic's reporter Anuj Kumar, video journalist Yashpaljit Singh and Ola cab driver Preep Dilip Dhanave, are in illegal police custody by Maharashtra Police for third straight day after first being jailed without anything resembling due process 4 days before that. w, Republic has learnt that Anuj is being subjected to forcible interrogation. Meanwhile, continuing its intimidation tactics, Shiv Cable Sena which is a wing of Shiv Sena has issued an order to block Republic Media Network.  order is signed by Sanjay Raut’s bror Sunil Raut and Sanjay Raut is “pramukh margdarshak” of this organisation.

Arnab takes on Uddhav Thackeray in unsparing statement

"Uddhav Thackeray, release my journalists. You have broken law and we will t allow this illegality. You didn't write Constitution and you have right to turn it upside down. Your party has sent letters to cable operators to illegally blackout Republic. You are allowing and approving a series of illegalities. Release my journalists immediately and perform your constitutional duty by arresting your party leers who have been caught red-handed sending threats to cable operators.

I am a Mumbaikar. I have built Republic with hard work and effort. You cant touch our network. people of Mumbai, Maharashtra and India are with us. Uddhav Thackeray, release my journalists immediately. And arrest your party leers who are issuing threats to blackout distribution of Republic Bharat. If you don’t, I will fight you in both courts of public opinion and our country’s highest courts."

Republic TV's reporter and crew in illegal police custody

While reporter Anuj Kumar, video journalist Yashpaljit Singh and Ola cab driver Preep Dilip Dhanave were first denied legal representation, Republic TV has w learned that Anuj is facing shocking forceful interrogation in an effort to get him to reveal his sources and story. reporting team was jailed by Maharashtra Police when y were following a journalistic le in an investigative assignment in Karjat in Raig. y have w been in police custody for almost 70 hours to d to 4 days y were first illegally jailed.

Sign #FreeAnujw petition here

Republic's action to free its crew

As mentioned in Arnab Goswami's statement, Republic will move Bombay High Court and also National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to secure freedom of its journalists. Meanwhile, tens of thousands have signed  #FreeAnujw petition.

Sign #CantBlockRepublic petition here