The CPI has condemned the registration of criminal cases and arrest of YouTuber Bachalakuri Joseph, alias Prashna Ravan, and journalist K.V. Reddy, alleging that the government is attempting to suppress freedom of expression.In a statement on Thursday, CPI State secretary G. Eswaraiah criticised the police action against them and accused the government of targeting individuals who question or analyse government policies.Mr. Eswaraiah said Prashna Ravan was arrested by the Sarpavaram police in Kakinada district in connection with a case and released on bail on Wednesday. However, he was taken into custody again in another case. He also alleged that JSP workers attacked Mr. Ravan when he was brought to hospital for medical examination.The CPI leader also objected to the arrest of Mr. Reddy for merely presenting a political analysis concerning IT Minister N. Lokesh on his digital platform, and alleged that the police had acted unlawfully in arresting him over the content of the analysis.Accusing the coalition government of undermining democratic values, Mr. Eswaraiah said repeated filing of cases and arrest of journalists, YouTubers and political commentators reflected an attack on freedom of speech and expression. He alleged that those raising questions or offering political analysis were being subjected to harassment through criminal proceedings.The CPI leader demanded that the government stop registering “false or illegal cases” against critics and urged democratic organisations and civil society groups to oppose “attempts” to silence dissent. Published - July 02, 2026 08:04 pm IST