Responding to the sweeping and disproportionate restrictions imposed by the Delhi Police and the Government of India ahead of planned protests in the capital on Saturday 10 October, Aakar Patel, Chair of Board, Amnesty International India, said:
“Peaceful protesters must be able to demand accountability from those in power without facing intimidation, arbitrary detention, or sweeping restrictions on their freedoms.
“From denying permission for a peaceful demonstration, halting all Delhi-bound trains, and sealing the city’s borders, to issuing an internet suspension order near the protest site, and pre-emptively arresting activists – India’s authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to prevent this march from happening. The right to protest is protected in India’s constitution. The authorities must immediately lift all these arbitrary restrictions, which violate India’s obligations under international law. Demonstrations should not depend on obtaining prior permission from the police. At most, organizers may be expected to notify the authorities of their plans.
Peaceful protesters must be able to demand accountability from those in power without facing intimidation, arbitrary detention, or sweeping restrictions on their freedoms
Aakar Patel, Chair of Board, Amnesty International India
“With more than 30,000 security personnel reportedly being deployed in the city, it is critical that police protect the public, not punish people for exercising their rights. Security measures are there to protect people, not punish them for exercising their fundamental rights. We urge the authorities to exercise the utmost restraint and take all necessary steps to protect and facilitate the right of peaceful assembly.”
Background
The protesters, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, student unions and opposition parties, have been protesting since 2 October to demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation amid controversy over the Election Co
… [more]
