It is not acceptable that in a country like India the state interferes with the freedom of creativity



Poster "Art and human rights"

On 14 September 2012 members of the project “Art and Human Rights” of the Association for Human Rights in Central Asia sent a letter in support of the Indian artist Aseem Trivedi to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of India.

Artists from Central Asia - the participants of the project suffered for free thinking, free expression, and creativity over the years and some of them were forced to leave their home country. And those who remain in the country continue to operate under the pseudonyms.

Every participant sent the following appeal to the Embassy of India in his country.

Contents of the letter:

Mr. Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna
Minister of Foreign Affairs of India

Your Excellency Mr. Krishna,
 

I am addressing you, as the coordinator, on behalf of the participants of the project “Art and Human Rights” of the Association for Human Rights in Central Asia.
 

We all are concerned about the arrest of Indian political cartoonist and social activist Aseem Trivedi.

According to information available to us, the artist Aseem Trivedi is accused of abusing the Internet security. His cartoons have been perceived as a mockery of the state symbols. Such a reaction to the creative work is a violation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as stated in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
 

It is not acceptable that in a country like India the state interferes with the freedom of creativity.
 

We urge you to take a personal interest in the fate of Aseem Trivedi and to respect his right to express his beliefs.

I assure you of our highest respect for you and the people of India.

Sergey Ignatyev                                                                                      

13.09.12