Statement against witch-hunt of Muslim activists who were at the forefront in anti-CAA protests
NEW DELHI: A statement has been released against the unending witch-hunt of the Muslim scholars and activists who either led or took part in the anti-CAA protests.
The Campaign against Witch-hunt of anti-CAA activists has said that instead of engaging with protesters, the state has chosen to unleash its naked power on them, detaining and arresting them under harsh penal provisions.
It further says that the charges under which they have been arrested constitute the full array of law's mighty provisions. The statement says that the police story against Ishrat Jahan, Khalid Saifi and Sabu Ansari is 'so riddled with holes that one does not know where to start'.
Columnist Aakar Patel, retired professor Alok Rai, filmmaker Anand Patwardhan, activists Mansi Sharma and a long list of professors, writers, social activists have issued this statement. The activists who have been targeted include Sharjeel Imam, Dr Kafeel Khan, Khalid Saifi, Ishrat Jahan, Sabu Ansari, Meeran Haider, Chingiz Khan, Safoora Zargar.
In fact, the police action continued despite the lockdown. The statement raises questions about the 'curious FIR 59/2020' and the draconian measures apart from notices sent to dozens of other activists. It also expresses concern about how a video showed Saifi trying to reason with police, and later he was produced in the court on wheelchair, indicating custodial torture.
It says how action was not taken against purveyors of hate speech who led angry mobs and gave ultimatums to police to clear out protests but on the other hand, these activists have been framed. The statement says that it is injustice and the purpose is demonstration of cruelty and utter unfairness, sending the message that the people must accept to live on the terms dictated by a majoritarian state. *Photo is for representational purpose only.
Photo: Pexels
[April 18 2020 NewsBits.in]
