Opponents in Delhi burned the images of Swedish environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg after tweeting support to India’s protesting farmers in posts that the Indian police had investigated.
Crowds gathered in Delhi to protest against several international celebrities, including Thunberg and pop singer Rihanna, who ignited sentiments in India and angered the government after tweeting this week about the ongoing farmers’ protests. Photos of Thunberg and Rihanna were set on fire and banners held up to warn that ‘international interference’ in Indian affairs would not be tolerated.
Since November, hundreds of thousands of farmers have been camping in Delhi demanding that several new agricultural laws be repealed. After a march turned violent last week, with hundreds storming the historic Red Fort of the capital, police in Delhi rallied the farmers by sending in riot officers and paramilitary troops, cutting off access to and exiting the protest sites and mobile internet access blocked.
Thunberg was embroiled in allegations of an international criminal conspiracy against India after tweeting a ‘toolkit’ for people who wanted to support the farmers. The document contains tips for campaigns, such as suggested hashtags and advice on how to sign petitions.
Although not mentioned in the police case that was filed, Thunberg’s tweet said that the Delhi police had brought attention to the existence of the toolkit. Leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the toolkit was evidence of international plans for attacks against India.
In response to reports that a case had been lodged against Thunberg, Praveer Ranjan, the special commissioner of police in Delhi, said: ” We have not nominated anyone in the FIR. [first information report], it is only against the creators of the toolkit that is being investigated and the police in Delhi will investigate the matter. ”
Thunberg tweeted on Wednesday: “We stand in solidarity with the protests of farmers in India,” and linked to a news article on heavy-handed measures being used against the protesting farmers.
Rihanna earlier tweeted an article about the oppression of the farmers and wrote: “Why are we not talking about this ?!”
The Indian government has released a statement in response to warnings against celebrities who tweeted sensationalist hashtags and comments on social media.
Thunberg reaffirmed her position on Thursday, shortly after the news of the police investigation came to light. “I’m still #StandWithFarmers and support their peaceful protest,” she tweeted to her 4.7 million fans. ‘No amount of hatred, threats or human rights violations will ever change that. # FarmersProtest. ”
The peasant protests have become an extremely inflammatory issue in India, with little resolution in sight. Nine talks between the government and farmers have failed, and the Supreme Court has recently suspended the implementation of the laws.
Farmers have said they will not stop their protests until the government agrees to repeal a series of laws passed last year.
The government said the laws would provide for more private investment in the archaic farming sector and to promote modernization. Farmers say the changes, which will allow large retailers to buy directly from producers, will mean the end of long-term guaranteed prices for their crops and leave it to the big business.
Media access to the protest sites was largely cut off. A journalist has been arrested for entering one of the sites over the weekend, and nine Indian journalists are facing charges, including rebellion and conspiracy over social media posts regarding the protests.