Human Lives Human Rights: In response to the recent arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi and prominent opposition leader, alongside the freezing of bank accounts belonging to the Indian National Congress, Aakar Patel, representing rights groups, has raised a poignant critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government’s tactics.
“The BJP-led government’s relentless assault on peaceful dissent and political opposition has reached a critical juncture,” stated Patel. “The arbitrary use of financial and terrorism laws to target human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and political opponents showcases a flagrant disregard for international human rights standards.”
The arrest of Kejriwal and the financial restrictions imposed on the Indian National Congress mere weeks before the impending national elections highlight the government’s failure to uphold its obligations under international law, Patel emphasized.
“This escalating crackdown underscores the authorities’ blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law,” Patel continued. “From the misuse of investigative agencies to the suppression of peaceful protests and the targeted suspension of opposition leaders, the erosion of democratic principles is unmistakable.”
Patel urged Indian authorities to respect the rights of all citizens, including activists, opposition candidates, and human rights defenders, both during and after the elections scheduled to commence in April 2024. Furthermore, Patel called for independent oversight of state institutions and an end to the weaponization of the criminal justice system against government critics.
The backdrop of these developments includes the recent arrest of several AAP party workers protesting Kejriwal’s detention, as well as the freezing of INC’s bank accounts over a tax dispute dating back to 2018-19. Such actions have elicited widespread condemnation from both domestic and international observers, amid mounting concerns over India’s deteriorating human rights situation ahead of the upcoming elections.
