Civil society protests illegal raid
SOLIDARITY FORUM FOR
DISSENT
Bangalore
Over the past week, we
have been witness to raids by Enforcement Directorate of the Indian Finance
Ministry on the offices of The Quint and Greenpeace India, two key civil
society organisations of India, in Delhi and Bangalore respectively. We
were to learn later that The News Minute office also had ED officials dropping
in, key journalists were questioned and copies of documents of taken.
In the case of
Greenpeace, the raid was absolutely illegal, as the ED officials had no warrant
to search the office. Yet, they illegally entered Greenpeace office in
Bangalore, detained key officials, searched documents and took away copies of
several documents, all without any authority vested by the due process of
law.
We consider this as
not merely an attack on these organisations alone, but on civil society in
general, media included. We note that those who are critical of the Government,
as also those who are exposing and challenging human rights and environmental
violations of certain Corporations, are being targeted. We also note that those
who work with and for advancing the rights of vulnerable communities,
especially Dalits, Adivasis, LGBT communities and women, are being systemically
targeted as well, in such raids across India. Often, this has resulted in
arrests of key activists and journalists.
We wholesomely agree
with Supreme Court Judge D. Y. Chandruchud who has held: "Dissent is a
symbol of a vibrant democracy. Voices in opposition cannot be muzzled by
persecuting those who take up unpopular causes.” The act of Enquiry and
Dissent are fundamental aspects of citizenship, and helps shape a vibrant
and productive democracy. Any individual or organisation exercising this
Fundamental Right of Citizenship, which is also a Fundamental Duty of
Citizenship, must not be harassed or terrorised by any form of abuse of power;
be this in the Government, Corporation, Public Sector, Civil Society, Academia
and Media. We believe such encroachments of fundamental rights constitute
an attack on the Constitutional promise of delivering a secure and fearless
Citizenship for all, especially those who dissent.
In a Press Conference
to be held at Press Club of Bangalore @Cubbon Park, between 11 - 11.30 am on
15th October 2018, Monday, we will explain our concerns, why this Solidarity
Forum for Dissent has become necessary, and what actions will follow. We will
also explain how we will advance this struggle to secure fundamental rights of
one and all, particularly of those who dissent.
Addressing the Press
Conference will be: Mathew Philips (SICHREM), Nandini (Greenpeace sponsor),
Reshma (Swaraj Sanghatane), Akhila Vidyasandra (Advocate), Vijay Kumar Seetappa
(Karnataka Janarogya Chaluvali), K. P. Singh (Swaraj Abhiyan), Manohar (Human Rights
Defenders Alert), Aakar Patel (Amnesty India), Lekha Adavi (Alternative Law
Forum), Aruna Chandrashekar (Independent Journalist) and Leo F. Saldanha
(Environment Support Group).
We cordially invite
you to this Press Conference and look forward to your solidarity and support -
with the cause for and of celebrating Dissent.
Yours sincerely,
Mallesh K. R.
Environment Support
Group
On behalf of: Solidarity Forum for
Dissent
Address for contact:
ESG, 1572, Ring Road,
Banashankari II Stage, Bangalore 560070.
Email: socialmedia@esgindia.org
