Dear Reader,
Ten years ago, we set out to tell stories that expose injustice, demand accountability, and give voice to those silenced. One such story was Baizzat Bari: Acquitted, Yet Criminals? —released in 2021, a documentary about Muslim men wrongfully accused of terrorism, spending years behind bars before finally being acquitted.
Since its amendment in 2019, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) continues to be a tool of state repression, where the process itself is the punishment. It has only grown harsher, allowing the state to declare individuals—not just groups—as terrorists, making bail nearly impossible.
Courts have begun to question its misuse—like the Delhi High Court asking if merely organizing a protest site can attract UAPA, in cases like Umar Khalid, Gulfisha Fatima, and Sharjeel Imam. Yet, Engineer Rashid, a sitting MP, remains in jail without bail, caught in a case of alleged terror funding. Meanwhile, data shows that half of UAPA investigations remain stalled for over three years, keeping people imprisoned indefinitely without trial.
Just last month, a BBC report highlighted how UAPA has disproportionately affected marginalized communities. With 97% of UAPA-accused proven innocent, it’s clear that the law is being weaponized. The injustice isn’t just in the numbers, it’s in the lost years, the families torn apart, and the stigma that never fades. The Baizzat Bari documentary will leave you thinking about the trauma of being wrongfully accused of being a terrorist in this Islamophobic environment.
The documentary was inspired by the book Baizzat Bari, which meticulously documented how and why wrongful incarcerations of Muslims on terror charges happen at such a large scale. We identified common patterns—faulty investigations, custodial torture, Islamophobic slurs by officers, and the lack of compensation for those acquitted. Of the 16 people profiled, only one received any financial reparation after their release.
The documentary has won Red Ink in the Human Rights (Video) Category and VdoNxt Asia Conference & Awards in 2023 and AFAQS in 2022.
Watch the documentary and ask yourself:
As we mark 10 years of The Quint, we revisit Baizzat Bari not as a story of the past, but as an ongoing reality. Over the years, The Quint has challenged conventions and highlighted urgent matters with such documentaries. To explore more, CLICK HERE.
We have remained committed to asking the tough questions — from exposing misinformation to delivering impactful human rights reporting, our newsroom has relentlessly pursued stories that drive change. Join us in celebrating a decade of fearless journalism. Get 10% OFF* on all Membership plans — Become a Quint Member* today!
Thanks,
ZIJAH SHERWANI
Creative Director
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