Bengaluru, February 13, 2025 – A press meet organized by human rights activists outside the Global Investors Meet (GIM) 2025 at Bengaluru Palace was disrupted by the police, leading to the detention of 11 activists. The activists, representing People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), All India Students Association (AISA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), and Fridays For Future Karnataka, were protesting India's increasing collaboration with Israel in defense and technology sectors.

The press meet, held at 12 PM, aimed to highlight concerns over India’s growing ties with Israel amidst its military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The activists argued that such partnerships, particularly in drone technology, amounted to legitimizing Israel’s military operations. They urged the Indian government to impose an arms embargo on Israel and align its policies with its long-standing support for Palestine, as reiterated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in November 2024.

Barely five minutes into the press conference, Sadashiv Nagar Police intervened and detained Ms. Aishwarya (PUCL, Karnataka) and 10 other activists. They were taken to the Sadashiv Nagar Police Station, where their Aadhar details, place of residence, contact numbers, and family details were collected. The activists were released only at 6 PM after hours of detention.

Human Rights Defenders Alert (HRDA) has condemned the detentions, stating that the police action violates multiple constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and the right to life and liberty (Article 21). HRDA emphasized that peaceful advocacy is protected under the 1999 Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which affirms the right to:

1. Hold opinions without interference,
2. Access and disseminate information,
3. Share ideas on matters of public concern.

Appeal:

We urge the Hon’ble Commission to take cognisance of the above case and urgently:

• To direct the Director General of Investigation of the NHRC to initiate a transparent, independent inquiry regarding the detention of the activists and submit the report to NHRC within two weeks.
• To direct the Director General of the Police of Karnataka to ensure the safety of HRDs and to protect them from further harassment by the police.