Rehana Fathima, still paying a heavy price for her views

Kerala By K A Shaji January 4, 2023 Read the article

Once active on social media and in public spaces, airing her views on women’s rights and government policies, Rehana Fathima Pyarijaan Sulaiman has gone almost silent.

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Kerala’s CPI(M)-led LDF government submitted an affidavit opposing relaxing her bail conditions before the Supreme Court on 18 December.

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The government that claims to represent progressive ideals said she continues to hurt religious sentiments, and promotes enmity between religions.

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But her Facebook page with 1,60,764 followers carries no such posts. She has been on a sabbatical from social media activism for more than four years.

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Several cases have been pending in courts in Kerala against Fathima for committing “deliberate and malicious acts” to hurt religious feelings.

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Fathima was one among the few women who attempted — albeit in vain — to trek to Sabarimala, the abode of the celibate deity Lord Ayyappa.

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“The government is now just repeating whatever the right-wing Hindutva is talking about her,” women’s rights activist and scholar J Devika opined.

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Fathima also opposed considering society’s morality and public outcry as a reason for prosecution.

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