HRW calls on Indian authorities to release activist Teesta Setalvad

June 28. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The NGO Human Right Watch (HRW) has demanded this Monday that the Indian authorities release the human rights activist Teesta Setalvad, who was arrested last week, after requesting a new investigation into the Indian prime minister for the Gujarat massacres, one of the worst outbreaks of religiously tinged violence in Indian history.

HRW has urged the Indian Executive to “end the relentless attacks” against Setalvad, and drop all charges against him, the organization said in a statement.

Police have said they are investigating Setalvad and two former high-ranking police officers turned informants for criminal conspiracy and falsifying their activities as they seek responsibility for the 2002 mob violence against Muslims in Gujarat state. explained HRW in the writing.

“These arrests are clearly retaliation for seeking justice for the victims of the Gujarat riots and for trying to hold accountable those in power,” HRW South Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly said, adding “no one can deny that violence occurred.”

The organization has assured that after the disturbances, the National Human Rights Commission of India “strongly” condemned the Government of the state of Gujarat for “not doing justice”.

In addition, the Supreme Court would have reprimanded the authorities and the local justice system for protecting those responsible for the abuses. It would also have ordered new investigations and requested the Government to provide protection to witnesses and victims.

A 2002 HRW report on the riots found that Gujarat authorities had failed to take adequate steps to end the violence and had interfered with investigations by targeting activists. In 2005, the US government denied Modi a diplomatic visa to visit the United States and revoked his existing 10-year business or tourist visa, citing alleged violations of religious freedom.

In this regard, Setalvad is charged with forgery, filing false charges, criminal conspiracy, and fabricating false evidence with the intent that a person be convicted of a capital offense. Charges, all of them, that HRW denies.

“It was only through the efforts of activists like Setalvad, who worked with victims and witnesses, that justice has been possible for the massive violence in Gujarat,” Ganguly said. “Setalvad’s arrest is part of the escalation of attacks against civil society and human rights activists in India, intended to send a chilling message to all who dare to demand accountability,” he said.