Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A prominent Dutch politician, Geert Wilders, has publicly criticized the recent arrest of Indian influencer and journalist Sharmishtra Panoli in Kerala, labeling it a "disgrace" and calling directly on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene for her release.
Panoli, often described as a right-wing influencer and known for her vocal commentary on social and political issues, was arrested on May 28th by Kerala police. The charges reportedly relate to promoting enmity between different groups under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, allegedly stemming from her social media posts concerning communal tensions and violence in Palakkad.
Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands and known for his strong anti-Islam stance, took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his support for Panoli. He described her as a "brave Indian journalist" who "speaks the truth about jihadis" and suggested her arrest by the "communist Kerala government" was an attempt to silence her. "This is a disgrace. Hindus should be safe in their own country. I call on PM Modi to intervene and help her," Wilders stated in his post.
This isn't the first time Panoli has faced legal scrutiny for her online activities. Reports indicate previous FIRs (First Information Reports) have been filed against her for allegedly inflammatory content. Her supporters see her as a courageous voice challenging prevailing narratives, while critics accuse her of stoking communal disharmony.
The call for Prime Minister Modi's intervention by a foreign parliamentarian adds an international dimension to Panoli's case. While Panoli was reportedly granted bail shortly after her arrest, Wilders' strong statement highlights the ongoing debates surrounding free speech, online activism, and communal sensitivities in India. The incident underscores the significant attention, both domestic and international, that such arrests can attract, particularly when they involve figures with a substantial online following and touch upon politically charged issues.
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