India: UN human rights office urges release of ‘arbitrarily detained’ protesters

The demonstration was called by a youth-led movement seeking electoral reforms ahead of state elections, with its main demand being the resignation of the official leading India’s election commission.

Protesters criticized the agency’s revision of the national voter list, which has reportedly removed tens of millions of names in an effort to avoid duplication and discrepancies.

Political opponents argue that this is an attempt to defend the ruling Nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Police refused permission to hold Saturday’s protest at the planned location in the capital, and tight security and road closures were reported.

Media reports said the movement’s leaders were among those detained.

The right to peaceful assembly

UN human rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan called on authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is “fully respected and fulfilled”.

“Restrictions on peaceful protests must meet strict tests of necessity and proportionality,” he said.

He urged law enforcement officials to show “utmost restraint” in responding to peaceful protesters, in line with India’s democratic traditions and human rights obligations.

Immediate and unconditional release

Al-Kheetan said anyone arbitrarily detained should be immediately and unconditionally released.

He also encouraged authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue to address what he described as common concerns.