Catholic groups in India have brought blasphemy charges against Sanal Edamarauku, the country’s most prominent rationalist. They may get more than they bargained for, says Caspar Melville. Sanal Edamaruku is facing up to three years in an Indian jail for telling the truth.
Read more in indexoncensorship.org
21 Nov: Standing up to Blasphemy Laws: Sanal Edamaruku and free speech in India
Date: Wednesday 21 November, 1pm
Venue: Free Word Centre (map here)
Tickets: Free (available here)
Prominent Indian rationalist Sanal Edamaruku, currently fighting blasphemy charges in India, is in London for just 2 days. Join New Humanist and Index on Censorship for a lively, rapid-fire lunchtime event looking at Sanal’s case and more widely at the blasphemy laws in India today.
Joining Sanal will be a panel of experts, including retired appeal court judge Sir Stephen Sedley, historian Professor Richard Sorabji, journalist and novelist Salil Tripathi and free speech campaigners, to discuss the implications of the case for the future of blasphemy in India and beyond.
This is a free event but there will be a chance to contribute to Sanal’s legal defence. Sign the change.org petition here.
gamini / November 16, 2012
For Blasphemy on any Religion, there can not be man made Laws to convict. Let the Devine power do so if it has the Power and the Potent.
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Navin Weeraratne / November 16, 2012
Gamini, that would kill the purpose of being religious! Why follow a God if you can’t play God?! ;)
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gamini / November 18, 2012
Then multiple beliefs practised by man kind itself of different Religions, is blashphemous to this non existent God? It is not a case playing God but being naive.
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Wuliangguobinjiu / November 16, 2012
Criticising Judaism in the EU and US would land anyone in jail.
Why this in the largest graft democracy??
Freedom is being able to Criticise.
God a concept that is beyond mans imagination. ;)
Or is it only the “Delhi Monkey” that is to be perceived as God.
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David Blacker / November 19, 2012
Really, Willymumbojumbo? Can you tell us one instance in this century of someone in the US or EU being jailed for criticizing Judaism? I suspect that there are many words in your comment that you do not understand (as usual) so I await your response with the anticipation of a great comedy show :D
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Mango / November 19, 2012
Attention Wuliangguobinjiu, Mental Health Patient No. 3358198765
Return to your ward immediately. Your internet privileges are being withdrawn due to your continued incoherence, inability to comprehend English and deteriorating mental condition.
Signed, SHO, Angoda Secure Hospital – high security psychiatric hospital
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gamini / November 20, 2012
Mango, why do you have plans for Angoda after Welikada? Land seem to take precedence in all matters to make it available for sale.
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