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Drop charges against Indian author – IBAHRI

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has condemned a recent decision by India’s Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to bring forward a case against author Arundhati Roy for allegedly making provocative comments on Kashmir at a conference in 2010.

The case is being taken under the Indian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The IBAHRI said that it was concerned about the prosecution of individuals – including academics, lawyers, journalists, and activists – in India under "broad, vague and stringent anti-terrorism charges” levied under the UAPA.

“This is seemingly reflective of a broader campaign to legalise the harassment of human-rights defenders and curtail the right to freedom of opinion and expression,” the human-rights body added.

'Puzzling' prosecution

IBAHRI co-chair Anne Ramberg urged the authorities in India to drop all charges against Arundhati Roy.

She described the prosecution of the author over her comments voiced at a conference more than 14 years ago as “absurd, concerning, and deeply puzzling, particularly with such a draconian law being invoked”.

Roy – winner of the 1997 Booker prize and 2024 PEN Pinter prize – had addressed the human-rights situation in the disputed territory amid heightened tensions following mass protests that took place in response to the Indian army killing three Kashmiri civilians.

IBAHRI co-chair Mark Stephens urged the Indian authorities to consider reform of the UAPA, saying that it contradicted India’s international legal obligations.