Assam MLA Aminul Islam Suspended For Broadcasting Speech On Facebook Live

Guwahati: A legislator from Assam was suspended for three days today after he broadcast his speech on Facebook from within the state legislature. All India United Democratic Front or AIUDF legislator Aminul Islam was suspended by Assam Assembly Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami today. Mr Islam had used Facebook Live to broadcast his speech on Friday. "Aminul Islam is suspended till February 8. I request Islam to leave the House immediately," Mr Goswami said in presence of the 45-year-old AIUDF member.

"It is a matter of great regret. The Ethics Committee recommended suspension of the member for a specific period during the current session. I have accepted its recommendation," he said.

Last year, Aam Aadmi Party's Bhagwant Mann was suspended from the Lok Sabha after the 42-year-old lawmaker, who is also a popular stand-up comedian, filmed his journey from home to parliament, crossing layers of security. He live streamed it on Facebook, drawing criticism for endangering one of the country's most high security complexes.

Mr Islam, who left the House after the ruling, had used the social media platform on Friday during post-lunch session while the House was discussing a private member's resolution over the problem of illegal immigration.

The AIUDF member later told the media outside that he had committed a mistake and accepted the verdict.

"(But) At the same time, I also demand that entire proceedings of the Assembly be telecast live. People are demanding that as we are their representatives, they should see our all activities inside the House," Mr Islam said.

While pronouncing the verdict today, Mr Goswami said he had received complaints from several members, including the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, about the incident on February 3 during the ongoing Budget Session. He informed the House that Islam had submitted a written apology for his conduct.