INDIAN opposition politicians and activists condemned on Monday(15) the arrest of a 22-year-old climate activist accused of helping to edit and distribute a document by Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg that promoted farmer protests.
Police took Disha Ravi to the capital from her home in the southern city of Bengaluru to question her over the accusation that she disseminated the document during the months-long protest on the outskirts of Delhi.
A Delhi police source said Ravi had been arrested over a sedition case against those accused of authoring a "toolkit" on ways to help the farmers. If proved, the charge carries a penalty of life imprisonment.
Disha Ravi
On Sunday(14) a court ordered Ravi held in police custody for five days, sparking outrage on social media and among farm unions.
"Disha Ravi's arrest is the latest escalation in India's crackdown on free expression and political dissent, as it seeks to stifle the farmers' mass protests," said Shashi Tharoor, an MP from the main opposition Congress party.
Ravi could not be reached in custody and her family was not immediately available for comment.
Bhavreen Kandhari, a member of Thunberg's movement in India, said it was waiting for complete clarity from the government and police before making any statement.
"We are waiting for more information regarding the basis of the criminal case," said Kandhari, a 45-year-old environment activist and a founding member of the movement's India chapter.
A senior official in the home ministry, which is overseeing the investigation, said the Delhi police had "found concrete evidence" against Ravi before her arrest.
"It is vital to know whether she was being used by organisations who fund militancy, social unrest and separatist activities," the official said, adding that police were also questioning others in the movement.
Police have been cracking down on the farmer protests, since thousands of protesters stormed the iconic Red Fort last month on Republic Day.
Activists have planned protests across India against Ravi's detention and the hashtag #IndiabeingSilenced was trending on Twitter.
Ravi is a leader of the Indian arm of Thunberg's Fridays for Future movement. The Swedish teenager had shared a "toolkit" for those who wanted to help the farmers, saying it had been created by those at the demonstrations.
The protests against farm reforms have drawn international support, with pop star Rihanna and Meena Harris, a niece of US vice-president Kamala Harris and activist, drawing attention to the months-long campaign.
India, which says its reforms are meant to modernise antiquated produce markets, blames vested interests and outsiders for misleading the farmers.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)