Since the 2014 elections in India criminalisation of dissent and free expression on charges of sedition or terrorism has increased meteorically. Lawyers and democratic rights activists defending such cases are increasingly targeted on the same grounds. At a time when many prisoners are being released during the COVID-19 pandemic, these political prisoners remain inside and more are being arrested. Join us to hear about the Bhima Koregoan cases in particular and the persecution of lawyers generally, and to help build a network of solidarity to push for an international mechanism to protect the independence of the legal profession.
Speakers
Indira Jaising – Senior Counsel, Supreme Court of India. Lawyers‘ Collective.
Mihir Desai – Senior Counsel and defence lawyer, High Court of Mumbai. Human Rights Law Network.
Professor Jagmohan Singh – Association for Protection of Democratic Rights, Punjab.
Chair: Radha D’Souza, University of Westminster
Thursday 23 April
21.00 New Delhi
17.30 Rome
16.30 London
11.30 New York
08.30 California
Participation Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 985 5914 3760
Password: 028899