Haldane Society condemns prosecution of Indian anti-rape campaigners

The Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers condemns the treatment of anti-rape activists in Delhi by the police. Following the protest which took place on 19th December 2012 following the rape at Sheila Dixit's house, activists of AISA, RYA and AIPWA (including AIPWA Secretary Kavita Krishnan, AISA activists Anmol Rattan of DU and Om Prasad of JNU, and RYA activist Aslam Khan) have learned that a charge-sheet has been filed against them.

This stands in the background of a protest during which water cannons were used for the first time against anti-rape protesters and an action which led to the catalysation of thousands following calls for a woman's right to be "adventurous" and rejecting curbs on the freedom of women in the name of "protection". 

The South Asia Solidarity Group believes that given the long period of time between the protest and the laying of the charge-sheet, the decision to charge these activists is a political move meant to criminalise those fighting for women's freedom. 

The Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers supports the women in India who are fighting for sexual equality and an end to patriarchal social policies. The Haldane Society also condemns the criminalisation of political protest and calls for the charges against the activists in Delhi to be dropped.