CPI criticises arrest of folk singer, demands his release

CPI today criticised the arrest of a folk singer campaigning for closure of state-run liquor outlets under sedition charges, and demanded his immediate release.

"The Tamil Nadu government's action is against freedom of expression and condemnable," CPI state Secretary R Mutharasan said in a statement.

He said that singer Kovan, belonging to an ultra-Left arts and literary outfit, was campaigning for closure of state-run liquor retail outlets and there was already many cinema songs, poems and other opinions in this regard.

A welfare government should "welcome" such initiatives, he said, and demanded that all cases against Kovan be withdrawn and that he be released immediately.
 

The 54-year-old propagandist singer of 'Makkal Kalai Ilakkiya Kazhagam' was arrested at Tiruchirappally on October 30 for alleged sedition, uploading defamatory electronic content against Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and disturbing public peace.