U.N. calls for the release of Teesta Setalvad expressing deep concern saying “ Defending human rights is not a crime.”
The United Nations expressed “deep concern” over the arrest of activist Teesta Setalvad by the Gujarat Police and called for her release.
“Deeply concerned by reports of Teesta Setalvad being detained by the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Gujarat Police. Teesta is a strong voice against hatred and discrimination. Defending human rights is not a crime. I call for her release and an end to persecution by the Indian state,” said Mary Lawlor, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders.
Ms. Lawlor’s views were mirrored by Front Line Defenders, a global organization that she founded in support of human rights activists. Front Line Defenders said, “Alarmed by attempts to arrest Teesta Setalvad in India. Gujarat Anti Terror police forcibly entered her home and detained her without basis. We call for her immediate release and an end to her legal persecution for her peaceful human rights work.”
Amnesty India, in a social media message, has described the arrest as a “direct reprisal” by the Indian authorities and said: “It sends a chilling message to the civil society and further shrinks the space for dissent in the country. Targeting human rights activists for their legitimate human rights work is unacceptable.”
Teesta Setalvad was fighting the case for Congress’ MP (Ehsan Jafri) widow, Zakia Jafri.
Teesta Setalvad was fighting the case for Congress’ MP (Ehsan Jafri) widow, Zakia Jafri. During the Gujarat Riots in 2002, Ehsan Jafri was dragged out of his house, paraded naked, then his limbs were chopped off and he was burnt alive. In 2022, Supreme Court dismisses the petition challenging the clean chit given by the SIT to then chief minister Narendra Modi and others in the 2002 post-Godhra riots cases, and instead, Teesta Setalvad, along with some others fighting cases for justice for the victims were arrested.
Heavy Condemnation from Indians on her Arrest, see the comments below:
Prashant Bhushan, Supreme Court Lawer and activist said, “This is now a witch hunt by Modi/Shah against those who were brave enough to expose their role in Gujarat.”
This is now a witch hunt by Modi/Shah against those who were brave enough to expose their role in Gujarat https://t.co/Xmdked3hO1
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) June 25, 2022
“Bhakts” who are commenting on Testa’s bungalow should know that it is well-earned inheritance. Her great grandfather Chimnalal Setalvad was the Indian lawyer on the panel that grilled dyer after the Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre. Her grandfather Motilal was free India’s AG. 1/2. Her father Atul was a fine civil liberties lawyer who opposed the Emergency. Teesta is the daughter of the constitution. If her home is large, it is as large as India’s heart used to be. Her heart beats with the spirit of freedom that India earned in 1947. Her family did great for India in their time, she’s doing what she feels is her duty in her time. Those questioning the size of the bungalow need to know how tiny their brains are.
Bhakts who are commenting on Testa's bungalow should know that it is well earned inheritance. Her great grandfather chimnalal setalvad was the Indian lawyer on the panel that grilled dyer after jallianwalla bagh massacre. Her grandfather motilal was free India's AG. 1/2
— saliltripathi (@saliltripathi) June 26, 2022
Jignesh Mevani “Teesta Setalvad is paying the price for upholding truth. She has always stood for the poor and marginalized and fought against Human Rights violations across the country. But those that act against the interest of the poor are roaming free. This is New India!
#TeestaSetalvad is paying the price for upholding truth. She has always stood for the poor & marginalized, fought against Human Right violations across the country. But those that act against the interest of the poor are roaming free. This is New India! #TeestaSetalvadArrested
— Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) June 26, 2022
Karuna Nundy Supreme Court Lawyer said, “The Supreme Court has turned the Constitution on its head by targeting an individual for claiming rights. This goes against all our Court was congratulated for globally in the last 5 decades, however imperfect the system. Sad day. #TeestaSetalvad”
The Supreme Court has turned the Constitution on its head by targeting an individual for claiming rights. This goes against all our Court was congratulated for globally in the last 5 decades, however imperfect the system. Sad day. #TeestaSetalvad
— Karuna Nundy (@karunanundy) June 26, 2022
The arrest of Teesta and FIR against Sreekumar just hours after the Supreme Court gives a clean chit to Narendra Modi is the worst form of a witch hunt
Another example of how the government agencies are working hand-in-glove with the BJP with no regard for the Law
I condemn the timing and the arrest of #TeestaSetalvad
Arrest of Teesta & FIR against Sreekumar just hours after SC giving clean chit to @narendramodi is worst form of witch hunt
An other example of how the govt agencies are working hand-in-glove with BJP with no regards for Law
I condemn the timing & the arrest of #TeestaSetalvad
— Hariprasad.B.K. (@HariprasadBK2) June 26, 2022