Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2018
59. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the arrest and imprisonment of a political activist (details supplied) in India; and if he will he urge the Indian authorities to release the person and review the case against them. [39152/18]
View answerI am aware of the case of Mr Thirumurugan Gandhi, and of his arrest in August. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland works closely with Human Rights Defenders to protect the work they do and to promote the value of civil society space. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights sets out that every person has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This means that people are free to hold opinions without interference and may share these opinions through the media without fear of reprisal. In light of Mr Thirumurugan Gandhi’s arrest, I have requested that the Irish Embassy in New Delhi raise this case with the EU Office in New Delhi. In general, it is more effective if we raise concerns through the EU rather than bilaterally. I can assure the Deputy that Embassy New Delhi will continue to take an interest in the case and that I have requested to be kept informed of developments.
