Taking exception to a comment by the UN Human Rights office regarding the arrest of social activist Teesta Setalvad and two others, India on Wednesday termed them as “unwarranted.” It also said it constitutes an interference in India’s independent judicial system.
The sharp reaction by the ministry of external affairs(MEA) here came a day after the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)voiced concern over the arrest and detention of Setalvad and called for her immediate release. “#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 said in a tweet on Tuesday.
Making India’s stand clear, MEA 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. Authorities in India act against violations of law in accordance with established judicial processes. Labelling such legal actions as persecution for activism is misleading and unacceptable,” he said.
