Reposted by Cllr Benali Hamdache
A 94-year-old Jewish human rights barrister was among more than 80 people arrested outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool while demonstrating in support of Palestine Action.
The arrests came as Ed Miliband told critics of the government’s policy on Palestine: “We hear you. You were right"
![Dear Sadiq Khan,
Concerns regarding London visit of Mohan Bhagwat, leader of the Hindu nationalist
paramilitary organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
I am writing because a number of concerned constituents have contacted me regarding the
current visit to London by Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Hindu nationalist paramilitary
organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). [1]
The organisation has sought to promote a racist and exclusive form of ethnic and linguistic
nationalism in India, reinforcing the divisive ideology of Hindutva and advancing a broader
fascist political project. The Hindu nationalist organisation has also played a significant role
in propelling Indian Prime Minister Marendra Modi to power.
The RSS has a track record of stoking violence against minority communities, including
India’s Muslim, Christian and Sikh populations. [2] In recent years, Hindu nationalist groups
within the wider RSS network have been linked to attacks on Muslims, including mob
violence and killings over allegations of cow slaughter or beef consumption, as well as
attacks on Christians falsely accused of carrying out religious conversions. [3] [4]
In 2024, Human Rights Watch documented the murder of a Muslim worker in Haryana by
Hindu vigilantes and attacks by Hindu mobs on Christian communities and prayer gatherings
in several states. [5]
It is utterly disgraceful that London is opening its doors to the leader of an organisation with
such a disturbing record of far-right violence, intolerance and discrimination. An
organisation that has undermined religious freedom and contributed to a climate of hatred
and attacks against minorities should never be given a platform in our city.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:lydh4noyzjbexxlcobw6kcaa/bafkreidxwoebkrj7374qo4nku62xi4sxq4bzhp66ixntnyswflvmafwe3i)
