Kerala’s Pazhayangadi Police have filed an FIR against the Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO) in Kannur district for raising pro-Palestine slogans, flags, and banners. GIO is a student organisation in India for Muslim girls and young women.
The FIR was filed against GIO Kerala General Secretary Afra Shihab and 30 other members, charging them under Sections 189(2), 191(2), and 192 read with 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for unlawful assembly, rioting, and liability for offences by group members.
According to the police, on Friday, the group gathered at the ecologically sensitive Madayippara area with the intent to “commit an offense and disturb society” by chanting slogans such as “Free, free Palestine,” “Down with occupation,” and “Israel is a terrorist state” without permission. The authorities also noted opposition from unspecified organizations but provided no further details.
The protest comes amid global outrage over Israel’s genocide in Gaza, where, since October 7, 2023, roughly 64,300 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed, and over 162,000 wounded, amid a prolonged blockade and famine.
Critics have accused the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government of hypocrisy, pointing to its earlier expressions of solidarity with Palestine.
