The dispute intensified when the US Commission on International Religious Freedom shared Sharjeel Imam's profile on social media platform X, framing his detention as persecution for religious advocacy. Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra countered that the commission possesses no standing to judge the legal rights of Indian citizens, urging it to stop lecturing. Imam faces serious charges in India, including rioting, murder, and alleged terrorist acts linked to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, though he was recently granted conditional interim bail in October to attend a family wedding.
Key points
New Delhi explicitly rejected the authority of the American religious freedom commission…: New Delhi explicitly rejected the authority of the American religious freedom commission to evaluate Indian judicial matters.
The diplomatic row centers on an activist facing severe charges under both the Indian Pen…: The diplomatic row centers on an activist facing severe charges under both the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Despite the strong rhetoric between officials, recommendations issued by the American pan…: Despite the strong rhetoric between officials, recommendations issued by the American panel carry no binding legal weight for United States foreign policy.
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Kwatra's remarks came after US commission described jailed activist Sharjeel Imam as a person detained in India for his religious freedom advocacy.
NEW DELHI: India's ambassador to US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Saturday hit back at the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), saying it had "no locus standi" to comment on the constitutional rights of Indian citizens.His remarks came after the commission described jailed activist Sharjeel Imam as a person detained in India for his religious freedom advocacy.In a strongly worded post on X, Kwatra rejected the commission's assessment and accused it of making partisan and ill-informed remarks about India's commitment to religious freedom and equal rights."USCRIF has no locus standi to sit in judgment over the constitutional rights of Indian citizens. Its habitual partisan, ill-informed, and jaundiced assessments cannot diminish India’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom and equal rights for all faiths," Kwatra said."India flourishes defying the agenda-driven partisan narratives of the USCIRF. Taking the same liberty that USCIRF so readily assumes, a word of advice: introspect on your own prejudices and stop lecturing others," he added.USCIRF…
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