London, Amnesty International has leveled severe criticism at the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its actions against rights defenders, journalists, and political opposition, highlighting a disregard for human rights and the rule of law. This denunciation comes in the wake of the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent opposition leader, along with the freezing of the Indian National Congress party’s bank accounts.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Aakar Patel, the chair of the board at Amnesty International India, commented on these developments, indicating a critical situation where the government has escalated its crackdown on peaceful dissent. He noted the systematic abuse of various laws against human rights advocates, critics, and opposition figures, characterizing these actions as a crisis point for democracy in India.
Patel’s statement, available on Amnesty International’s website, decried the exploitation of financial and terrorism-related laws to suppress dissenting voices. The arrest of Kejriwal and actions against the Indian National Congress, especially preceding the general elections, were pointed out as examples of the government’s failure to meet its international human rights obligations.
The crackdown, as described by Patel, extends to peaceful protests, arbitrary arrests, the misuse of spyware for surveillance, discrimination against minorities, and the suspension of opposition leaders from Parliament. These actions reflect a broader agenda rooted in majoritarian politics and a disregard for democratic principles and human rights.
Patel called on the Indian government to ensure the protection and fulfillment of human rights for all citizens, including human rights defenders, activists, and opposition candidates, particularly in the context of the upcoming general elections. He emphasized the need for state institutions to operate independently and critiqued the criminal justice system’s weaponization against those defending human rights and political freedom.