V P Rajeena has since faced threats, online attacks.
By Sreejith Vallikunnu
The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) has extended support for a Kerala journalist, V. P. Rajeena, who faced threats and online attacks on Facebook after she wrote a personal story of sexual abuse her classmates had to face in a madrassa years ago.
IAMC, the largest advocacy organization of Indian Muslims in the United States, has called for an internal but independent and transparent assessment by credible community leaders, leading up to an investigation by law enforcement in all instances where there are grounds to believe the law has been violated, a statement said.
Rajeena is currently working as a sub-editor in a leading Malayalam daily ‘Madhyamam’, which has more circulation among Kerala’s Muslim community.
Few days back, she narrated her childhood experience in a madrassa, where an ustad (teacher) allegedly sexually abused both boys and girls. She described how boys in the class would be abused by the ustad and asked to unzip their shorts. Recounting another incident in Class 4, Rajeena alleged that an ustad abused girls during the night classes.
The post went viral, but Muslim fundamentalists targeted her Facebook page with nasty comments and threats.
Many of them questioned her motive and launched an online harassment campaign, including hateful remarks about her. Finally, after incessant reporting, Facebook banned Rajeena’s page for a few days.
She clearly stated that her post was not intended to be a generalization of all madrassas, but an account from her own experience.
“There are many madrasas across India that have made positive contributions to Islamic scholarship and to the religious and spiritual upbringing of Muslims. However it does not mean all madrassas are automatically immune to problems in the wider society,” said Umar Malick, President of Indian American Muslim Council.
“We support Rajeena’s right not only to speak up about past abuse but also warn the community about the potential for such abuse, that would victimize innocent children,” added Malick.