MLA Vanathi Srinivasan Criticizes CM Stalin for Savukku Shankar Arrest; Calls it Suppression of Free Speech

Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan condemns Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for the ongoing arrests of those criticizing the DMK government, emphasizing the need for free speech and democratic governance.


Coimbatore: Vanathi Srinivasan, MLA of Coimbatore South, has voiced strong criticism against Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, urging him to re-read the Independence Day message he published in light of recent suppressive actions against free speech. She highlighted the arrests of social media users criticizing the DMK administration and called for the cessation of oppressive tactics.


In her statement, Vanathi expressed concern over the arrests linked to criticisms against the DMK government, emphasizing that many have faced severe consequences under the BJP government, including journalists like Gauri Lankesh and activists like Siddique Kappan. She stressed the importance of ensuring journalists can work without fear or repression.


"If Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had any conscience, he would not have published such a message," Vanathi stated, questioning the contrast between the government's oppressive actions and its public commitments to free speech and democracy.


The statement further criticized the DMK regime's police force tactics of arresting dissidents, particularly during the night, and across state lines, revealing a stark approach of law enforcement towards critics of the state.

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