FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On November 30, 2024, Delhi Police attempted to detain Nadeem Khan, a prominent human rights activist and the National Secretary of the Association for the Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), at his brother’s residence in Bengaluru without presenting a valid warrant or legal notice. The police pressured him to accompany them to Delhi for questioning regarding an exhibition in Hyderabad that highlighted Supreme Court guidelines against mob lynching and punitive demolitions. Despite the lack of evidence of any unlawful activity, Khan and his family endured hours of coercion and intimidation. This incident, marked by procedural violations and heavy-handed tactics, appears to be part of a broader pattern of harassment against civil rights defenders in India, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic values and the targeting of those who challenge systemic injustices.
Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) stands in solidarity with Nadeem Khan, APCR, and all human rights defenders facing unjust persecution. We call on the Indian government to adhere to the rule of law, respect the constitutional rights of its citizens, and immediately cease all forms of harassment against activists. We also urge the international community, including human rights organizations such as Freedom House, to denounce these violations and advocate for the protection of human rights defenders in India.
The police's failure to produce a valid warrant or notice while attempting to forcibly arrest Mr. Khan violates fundamental legal and constitutional protections. This heavy-handed approach is particularly alarming given the context of the case—a police complaint based on Khan’s participation in an exhibition in Hyderabad that highlighted Supreme Court guidelines against mob lynching and punitive demolitions. The exhibition sought to bring awareness to systemic injustices and uphold the rule of law, making the subsequent police actions an attack on the core principles of democracy and justice.
The timing and manner of the FIR, filed mere hours before the police attempted to detain Mr. Khan, raise serious questions about the motivations behind these actions. The involvement of over 20 police personnel in these operations further suggests an orchestrated effort to target APCR and its leadership for their critical work in promoting justice and protecting marginalized communities in India. These intimidation tactics are reminiscent of broader patterns of repression faced by human rights defenders under the current government.
It is vital to recognize Mr. Khan's pivotal role in India's human rights landscape. As a principal organizer of the anti-CAA protests in 2019 and a staunch advocate against hate crimes and mob violence, his work has been instrumental in holding systems of power accountable. The recent Supreme Court ruling banning demolitions was the result of APCR's persistent advocacy, exemplifying the organization’s commitment to justice.
A democracy thrives on dissent and dialogue, not on the suppression of voices that speak truth to power. Hindus for Human Rights remains committed to defending the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their faith, caste, or background.
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Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization founded in 2019. We advocate for pluralism and civil and human rights in South Asia, North America, the UK, Australia and throughout the diaspora, rooted in the values of our Hindu faith: shanti (peace), nyaya (justice) and satya (truth). We work with a broad coalition of partners to educate elected officials and the public about civil and human rights issues in South Asia.
Please direct all media inquiries to:
david@hindusforhumanrights.org, David Dasharath Kalal, Director of Communications for HfHR
