United Nations Responds to Detentions in India
The UN human rights office has expressed concern over the detention of activists and journalists during election reform protests in Delhi.
The United Nations human rights office has voiced concern over the mass detention of protesters, civil society members, and journalists during demonstrations demanding electoral reform in India's capital, Delhi, and called for their immediate release.
Protests and Detentions in Delhi
Numerous demonstrators, protest leaders, civil society members, lawyers, and journalists were detained before and during large-scale protests held on Saturday in India's capital, Delhi. The demonstrations, organized by a youth-led movement, demanded the resignation of the election commission chief.
Electoral Reform and Voter List Controversies
Protesters criticized regulations made in the national voter registry, which were stated to aim at preventing duplicate registrations. While reports indicated that tens of millions of names were removed from the list, opposition parties argued that this practice was intended to strengthen the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
UN Call and Security Measures
Police did not grant permission for the venue in the capital for the planned Saturday demonstration, while heavy security measures were taken and roads were closed in the area. Media reports stated that leaders of the movement were also among those detained.
Emphasis on the Right to Peaceful Assembly
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, warned authorities to fully respect the right to peaceful assembly. Al-Kheetan stated that law enforcement agencies must show maximum restraint against peaceful activists.
Call for Unconditional Release and Dialogue
Spokesperson Al-Kheetan emphasized that anyone arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally. He also urged authorities to initiate a meaningful dialogue process.