Arvind Kejriwal protest: AAP supporters in New York, London, and other cities observe fast

Members and supporters of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) globally have noticed a day of protest and fasting in solidarity with occasion chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged money-laundering case.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, hours after the excessive court docket refused to grant him safety from coercive motion by the federal anti-money laundering company. He is at present lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail.

AAP volunteers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia gathered in entrance of Indian embassies and widespread areas on Monday to protest towards Kejriwal’s arrest and name for his fast launch, a media launch mentioned. Mass fasts had been additionally held in India, as seen in X posts shared by AAP.

“Arvind Kejriwal is an emblem of hope for hundreds of thousands of Indians who’re preventing for a extra simply and equitable society,” mentioned AAP member Jeswanth Reddy from Los Angeles. “His arrest is an assault on democracy and the proper to dissent. We won’t be silenced.”

AAP volunteers in Washington DC held a vigil in entrance of the Indian Embassy, whereas AAP members and supporters in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, London, Dublin, Berlin, Oslo, and Melbourne, amongst other cities, organised a day-long starvation strike in distinguished areas.

“We are standing in solidarity with Arvind Kejriwal and all those that are preventing for justice and democracy in India,” mentioned AAP volunteer Parveen Khard in London. “We won’t relaxation till Kejriwal is launched and the Modi authorities rescinds its authoritarian actions.”

Referring to those international protests, Pankaj Gupta, AAP National Secretary and Overseas Convener, mentioned, “People from all around the world are displaying their solidarity with our chief Arvind Kejriwal by fasting… and sending a transparent message towards the unjust arrest and harassment of opposition leaders in India. AAP’s energy has been its grassroots members all over the world and their mass present of assist could be very encouraging.”

In numerous international cities, the AAP protesters demanded the fast launch of Kejriwal and other opposition leaders, together with Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain (each of AAP) and Jharkhand ex-CM Hemant Soren (of JMM), amongst others. “Harassment of opposition events should cease instantly and, lastly, guarantee free and honest parliamentary elections,” mentioned Kamaljit Sidhu from AAP Toronto, Canada.