Thu Jan 16 05:57:22 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Journalists Booked Under POCSO Act for Child Interviews
**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala –** Three journalists from a prominent Malayalam news channel have been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for their coverage of the recent Kerala State School Arts Festival. The Cantonment police in Thiruvananthapuram registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the journalists following complaints, including one from a government child rights protection agency.
The FIR names Arun Kumar, the channel’s Consulting Editor, and his colleague Shabaz. The identity of the third journalist is yet to be revealed. The charges stem from interviews and interactions with child participants at the festival, with the police citing Sections 11 and 12 of the POCSO Act. These sections pertain to sexual harassment of a child and the broadcasting of any part of a child’s body or their involvement via media, carrying a potential penalty of up to three years imprisonment and a fine.
Assistant Commissioner Stuart Keeler confirmed the FIR, stating it was filed based on specific complaints received. The incident raises concerns about media ethics and child safety in reporting on events involving minors. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 