Modi visit: writers protest poor freedom of expression in India
Leading writers including bestsellers and Booker winners urge David Cameron to address violence toward dissenting Indian journalists, writers and artists
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Over 200 writers urged David Cameron to “take action to safeguard freedom of expression in India” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London yesterday.
The writers, who include Ian McEwan, Salman Rushdie and Val McDermid, put their names to an open letter, published by PEN International, highlighting the “rising climate of fear, growing intolerance and violence toward critical voices who challenge orthodoxy and fundamentalism in India.”
The letter refers to three public intellectuals (Malleshappa Madivalappa Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar) killed in the last two years. At least 37 journalists have been killed in the country since 1992, and impunity enjoyed by people who attack members of the media is getting worse rather than better.
The Indian government has failed to act decisively against attacks on journalists and artists, leading many public intellectuals to renounce honours awarded by the Sahitya Akademi, the country’s National Academy of Letters.
The letter implores David Cameron to raise these issues with Modi during his visit, and to “urge him to provide better protection for writers, artists and other critical voices and ensure that freedom of speech is safeguarded.” Without these protections, the letter concludes, “a democratic, peaceful society is not possible.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments