Thread by @suchitrav

Lois Sofia (@Red_Pastures ) was arrested earlier today for shouting down with fasict BJP govt.
thenewsminute.com/article/studen…

BJP state president @DrTamilisaiBJP said “When I am taking my bag, a customer shouts 'BJP’s Fascist government down down'. Is that freedom of speech?” . The answer is a resounding yes.

@DrTamilisaiBJP "Sounderajan alleges that Sofia shouted ‘Down with the fascist BJP’ after the plane had landed."

"Neither she nor anyone else has alleged there was any physical contact. Yet the BJP leader claimed her “life was in danger” and insisted on filing a police complaint, following which the student was arrested." thewire.in/rights/student…

“Tamilisai (BJP head TN)waited for an hour in the airport demanding an apology from Sofia,” said E. Athisayakumar, Sofia’s lawyer. “The police tried to convince her but Sofia refused to give in. She told me she had done no wrong.”

Shortly after, an FIR was filed under IPC sections 290 (public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief). Sofia’s remand itself was “under IPC Section 290 and 75 (1) of the Tamil Nadu City Police Act,”

But this is the most troubling statement made by @DrTamilisaiBJP after filing a police complaint. She told the media that she was suspicious of Sofia’s background and that “she could have had links with terrorist organisations”. On what basis was this statement made ?

When you call everyone who disagrees a #urbannaxal and clamp down on dissent, then a 20 something student who shouts slogans becomes a "terrorist".

"Sofia’s father, Dr Samy, said he had filed a complaint against Soundararajan and BJP cadres who had abused and threatened his daughter. “I have filed the complaint but I am not sure if there will be any action against Tamilisai. It is unfair,” he told The Wire."