Joining Global Community in Calling for the Release of the Delhi 18
January 26th, 2022
Today, on India’s Republic Day, Justice For All Canada, together with human rights defenders and those concerned with global human rights around the globe, raise our voice against the persecution of 18 human rights defenders in India. They have been falsely branded and prosecuted under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) by the Indian government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
These 18 human rights defenders are targeted for their advocacy that raises awareness of the discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA, 2019). Their efforts highlighted the fallacy of the CAA, which was condemned by the United Nations as ‘fundamentally discriminatory’ in nature.
These activists dared to question the BJP government's moves to re-write and “water down” the inclusivity of citizenship in India. In an act of reprisal, the activists have been charged with “instigating violence” that broke out in India’s capital city. However, between February 23 and 26 2020 in Northeast Delhi, mobs armed with weapons and shouting nationalist slogans coined by BJP leaders were openly seen attacking Northeast Delhi. The events left at least 52 people dead, the majority of whom were Muslims. During the violence, many homes, businesses, and Muslim places of worship were attacked.
The Delhi police have been alleged by many in being complicit in this violence. In the period before the violence broke out, several leaders of India's ruling BJP party, as well as nationalist figures, gave speeches inciting hatred against Muslims. They also used social media to mobilize their supporters. This has been widely captured across social media platforms, and the Delhi police did nothing to stop them.
While no politician or police have been held accountable, only the Delhi 18 have been prosecuted. Of the 18 individuals, 13 who remain in Delhi jails have been refused bail. Most of the Delhi 18 are Muslims. All of the 13 currently jailed without bail being are Muslims.
By using the UAPA against the Delhi 18, activists can be incarcerated for long periods without trial. We believe there is no question that this is a politically motivated persecution.
“We condemn this indefinite detention without trial. We call for the dismissal of the charges against the Delhi 18, and we demand their immediate and unconditional release from custody. We also call for the repeal of the laws under which they were jailed. It is time that India lived up to its promise of being a free democracy respectful of religious freedom,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
VIDEO: Who is Safoora Zargar?
Today, on India’s Republic Day, Justice For All Canada, together with human rights defenders and those concerned with global human rights around the globe, raise our voice against the persecution of 18 human rights defenders in India. They have been falsely branded and prosecuted under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) by the Indian government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
These 18 human rights defenders are targeted for their advocacy that raises awareness of the discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA, 2019). Their efforts highlighted the fallacy of the CAA, which was condemned by the United Nations as ‘fundamentally discriminatory’ in nature.
These activists dared to question the BJP government's moves to re-write and “water down” the inclusivity of citizenship in India. In an act of reprisal, the activists have been charged with “instigating violence” that broke out in India’s capital city. However, between February 23 and 26 2020 in Northeast Delhi, mobs armed with weapons and shouting nationalist slogans coined by BJP leaders were openly seen attacking Northeast Delhi. The events left at least 52 people dead, the majority of whom were Muslims. During the violence, many homes, businesses, and Muslim places of worship were attacked.
The Delhi police have been alleged by many in being complicit in this violence. In the period before the violence broke out, several leaders of India's ruling BJP party, as well as nationalist figures, gave speeches inciting hatred against Muslims. They also used social media to mobilize their supporters. This has been widely captured across social media platforms, and the Delhi police did nothing to stop them.
While no politician or police have been held accountable, only the Delhi 18 have been prosecuted. Of the 18 individuals, 13 who remain in Delhi jails have been refused bail. Most of the Delhi 18 are Muslims. All of the 13 currently jailed without bail being are Muslims.
By using the UAPA against the Delhi 18, activists can be incarcerated for long periods without trial. We believe there is no question that this is a politically motivated persecution.
“We condemn this indefinite detention without trial. We call for the dismissal of the charges against the Delhi 18, and we demand their immediate and unconditional release from custody. We also call for the repeal of the laws under which they were jailed. It is time that India lived up to its promise of being a free democracy respectful of religious freedom,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
VIDEO: Who is Safoora Zargar?
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