Sydney Peace Prize Laureates Voice Support for Arundhati Roy
Appeal to the Government of India to withdraw charges levelled at Arundhati Roy
We, the undersigned, as laureates of the Sydney Peace Prize urge the Government of India to cease the unjustified and anti-democratic prosecution of globally renowned author and human rights activist, and fellow Laureate, Arundhati Roy.
Ms Roy has spent a lifetime advocating for peace, justice and non-violence. She is among India’s most celebrated authors, shining a light on untold stories and inspiring the imaginations of followers around the world. In 2004 Ms Roy was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize, Australia’s international prize for peace, “for her courage in campaigns for human rights and for her advocacy of non-violence”.
For 26 years the Sydney Peace Foundation has celebrated the achievements of peacemakers like Ms Roy for their courage, their compassion and their deep commitment to social justice.
Using draconian anti-terror laws to prosecute such a commendable and globally respected peace advocate, together with academic Sheikh Showkat Hussain, for remarks they made at a public event 14 years ago undermines India’s democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms. Indeed, punishing writers and scholars simply for their words runs contrary to the values and reputation of this great nation and its people.
We appeal to the Government of India to withdraw the charges and ensure that the right to free speech and freedom of opinion is upheld.
Signed Sydney Peace Prize Laureates
Professor Megan Davis and Pat Anderson AO, Sydney Peace Prize Laureate 2021 – 2022, Uluru Statement from the Heart
Tracey Spicer AM, Sydney Peace Prize Laureate 2019, Me Too Movement
Patrisse Cullors, Sydney Peace Prize Laureate 2017, Black Lives Matter
Naomi Klein, Sydney Peace Prize Laureate 2016
Dr George Gittoes AM, Sydney Peace Prize Laureate 2015
Julian Burnside AO KC, Sydney Peace Prize Laureate 2014
Sekai Holland, Sydney Peace Prize Laureate 2012
Dr Vandana Shiva, Sydney Peace Prize Laureate 2010
Olara Otunnu, Sydney Peace Prize Laureate 2005
Dr Hanan Ashrawi, Sydney Peace Prize Laureate 2003
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