Following the publication of a cartoon depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his hands in handcuffs, the Tamil magazine Vikatan had its website shut. The cartoon, published on February 10 in Vikatan's online journal Vikatan Plus, was a critique of the Indian government's handling of the deportation and handcuffing of undocumented Indian citizens from the United States.
Cartoon Is Opposed by Tamil Nadu BJP, and CM Stalin Denounces Website Block
The cartoon was criticized by the Tamil Nadu BJP, who called it "derogatory" and "insulting" to the prime minister. However, the alleged website restriction was denounced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin as an assault on journalistic freedom. According to Stalin, the administration would take the necessary steps to prevent the media from being silenced.
Vikatan Reiterates His Commitment to Free Speech
Vikatan reiterated its support for free speech and announced that it is seeking additional information from the authorities regarding the blocking of the site. S. Balasubramanian, editor of the magazine, said that the cartoon was a genuine form of criticism, and that the magazine would stand by the values of free expression.
Freedom of Speech and Censorship Issues
The issue of censorship and the limits of free expression in India has also been brought to the fore by the incident. The blocking of the website has been viewed as an effort to silence critics and censor the press. The episode has caused a heated discussion on social media, with demands for stronger safeguarding of journalistic freedom and freedom of expression
Tamil weekly Vikatan hits website ban over PM Modi cartoon
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