Our Trusted Ally India Is Better Than This, Says US Parliamentarian On Gauri Murder And Threat To Ilaiah

During a speech in the US House of Representatives, a Congressman mentioned the murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh while talking about the muzzling of freedom of expression.

Harold Trent Franks, a Republican representing Arizona's 8th congressional district told: "Across the world, Mr Speaker, individual freedom of speech is frequently infringed. A posted critique or just sharing one's views freely on the Internet can be punishable, even by death," reported NDTV.

Franks called Gauri an "anti-establishment figure with a reputation for her fearless criticism of undemocratic elements within the parties in power."

He mentioned about the striking similarity to the murders of rationalists Govind Pansare, MM Kalburgi and Narendra Dabholkar.

The Congressman also spoke about Professor Kancha Ilaiah, who was threatened by an Indian parliamentarian.

"Just weeks ago, another of India's most prominent political journalists Professor Kancha Ilaiah - known for critiquing India's caste-social order, was threatened by a Hindu member of India's Parliament. This Member of Parliament who is an ally of the current BJP government issued a statement that Kancha should be 'publically hanged'," said Franks.

He was referring to Telugu Desam Party MP, TG Venkatesh, who criticised writer and social scientist Kancha Ilaiah for his new book Samajika Smugglurlu Komatollu.

Venkatesh had called Ilaiah a traitor who deserved to be hanged in public.

Frank added ,"Our trusted ally and friend India is better than this, Mr Speaker. Professor Kancha Ilaiah's right and freedom to speak should not be infringed. And his protection, and that of those like him, should be of the utmost priority to the Indian government."

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