'Unwarranted and misleading': MEA slams UN's remarks on Teesta Setalvad's arrest
Describing the remarks by the UN Human Rights office over the arrest of social activist Teesta Setalvad as “completely unwarranted”, MEA said these comments “constitute an interference” in the country’s independent judicial system.
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New Delhi, June 30: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) slammed the UN Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) for Human Rights interference over the arrest of Teesta Setalvad and two other persons.
In response to media queries on a comment by OHCHR regarding legal action against Teesta Setalvad, MEA official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We have seen a comment by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regarding legal action against Teesta Setalvad and two other persons. The remarks by OHCHR are completely unwarranted and constitute an interference in India's independent judicial system."
The OHCHR earlier had voiced "concern" over the arrest and detention of Setalvad and called for her immediate release. "Authorities in India act against violations of law strictly in accordance with established judicial processes. Labelling such legal actions as persecution for activism is misleading and unacceptable," said Bagchi.
“#India: We are very concerned by the arrest and detention of #WHRD @TeestaSetalvad and two ex-police officers and call for their immediate release. They must not be persecuted for their activism and solidarity with the victims of the 2002 #GujaratRiots,” the UN Human Rights office had said in a tweet on Tuesday.
Also Read: Teesta Setalvad remanded to police custody till July 2
Earlier on Sunday, the Gujarat government decided to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the role of Setalvad, Sreekumar and former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots. An FIR was lodged against Setalvad, Sreekumar and former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt for giving false testimonies in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Meanwhile, a metropolitan court granted the remand of social activist Teesta Setalvad and former Gujarat DGP RB Sreekumar to the Ahmedabad crime branch for questioning till July 2. Seetalvad and Sreekumar were granted remand in a case registered against them on charges of forgery and criminal conspiracy, among others.
The Gujarat Police Crime Branch on Sunday arrested Teesta Setalvad in connection with a case against her NGO which gave baseless information about the 2002 Gujarat riots to the police.
