Counter-protesters in Delhi burned effigies of Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg after she tweeted support for farmers protesting in India in posts that led to an investigation by Indian police.
Crowds gathered in Delhi to protest several international celebrities, including Thunberg and pop singer Rihanna, who ignited sentiments in India and angered the government after tweeting about farmers’ continuing protests this week. Photos of Thunberg and Rihanna were set on fire and banners were erected warning that “international interference” in indigenous affairs would not be tolerated.
Since November, hundreds of thousands of farmers have camped around Delhi demanding that several new agricultural laws be repealed. After a march last week turned violent, with hundreds of people invading the capital’s historic Red Fort, Delhi police are cracking down on farmers by sending police and paramilitary troops, preventing entry and exit from protest sites and blocking access mobile to the internet.
Thunberg became involved in allegations of an international criminal conspiracy against India after she tweeted a “toolkit” for people who wanted to show support for farmers. The document included campaign tips, such as hashtag suggestions and advice on signing petitions.
Although not mentioned in the police case that was filed, Thunberg’s tweet would have drawn the attention of the Delhi police to the existence of the toolkit. Leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata (BJP) party said the toolkit was “an evidence of international plans for attacks against India”.
In response to reports that a case was opened against Thunberg, Praveer Ranjan, Delhi’s special police commissioner, said: “’We have not nominated anyone at the FIR [first information report], it is only against the creators of the toolkit, which is an investigative matter and the Delhi police will investigate this case. “
On Wednesday, Thunberg tweeted: “We support the protests of farmers in India,” and linked to a news article about violent measures being used against protesting farmers.
Previously, Rihanna tweeted an article about the crackdown on farmers, writing: “Why aren’t we talking about this ?!”
The Indian government issued a statement in response to a severe warning against celebrities who tweet “hashtags and sensational comments on social media”.
On Thursday, shortly after news of the police investigation, Thunberg reaffirmed his position. “” I still #StandWithFarmers and support your peaceful protest, “she tweeted to her 4.7 million followers. “No amount of hatred, threats or human rights violations are going to change that. #FarmersProtest. “
Farmers’ protests have become a highly inflammatory issue in India, with little resolution in sight. Nine rounds of negotiations between the government and farmers have failed, and the Supreme Court recently suspended implementation of the laws.
Farmers said they would not give up on their protests until the government agreed to repeal a series of laws that were passed last year.
The government said the laws would allow more private investment in the archaic agricultural sector and spur modernization. Farmers say the changes, which will allow large retailers to buy directly from producers, will mean the end of long-term guaranteed prices for their crops and leave them at the mercy of big business.
Media access to protest sites has been largely cut. A journalist was arrested for logging on to one of the sites over the weekend, and nine Indian journalists are facing charges, including sedition and conspiracy over social media posts related to the protests.