📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Gilles San Martin
Politics
UN Human Rights Office flags mass arrests in Delhi, Mumbai protests, urges releases
✍️ Livemint
🗓 11 Oct 2026, 07:16 AM
👁 42
The UN Human Rights Office expressed concern over the large number of people detained during recent protests in Delhi and Mumbai, calling for their immediate release.
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement on Tuesday expressing alarm at the scale of detentions linked to recent demonstrations in Delhi and Mumbai. The UN body said the arrests appeared to be part of a broader pattern of suppressing dissent and urged Indian authorities to release all those held without charge.
In its remarks, the office highlighted the importance of adhering to international human‑rights standards, including the right to peaceful assembly and the guarantee of due process. It called on the government to ensure that any arrests are based on legitimate legal grounds and that detainees have access to legal counsel.
The UN statement did not name specific individuals but referred to reports from local NGOs indicating that dozens of protesters were taken into custody during the rallies. The office reiterated its readiness to engage with Indian officials to address the concerns and to monitor the situation closely.
Indian authorities have not yet responded publicly to the UN’s call for the release of the detainees. The protests, which were organized by various civil‑society groups, centered on issues ranging from economic policies to civil liberties.
The UN Human Rights Office said it will continue to follow developments and will consider further action if the reported violations persist.
In its remarks, the office highlighted the importance of adhering to international human‑rights standards, including the right to peaceful assembly and the guarantee of due process. It called on the government to ensure that any arrests are based on legitimate legal grounds and that detainees have access to legal counsel.
The UN statement did not name specific individuals but referred to reports from local NGOs indicating that dozens of protesters were taken into custody during the rallies. The office reiterated its readiness to engage with Indian officials to address the concerns and to monitor the situation closely.
Indian authorities have not yet responded publicly to the UN’s call for the release of the detainees. The protests, which were organized by various civil‑society groups, centered on issues ranging from economic policies to civil liberties.
The UN Human Rights Office said it will continue to follow developments and will consider further action if the reported violations persist.