Today, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology threatened Twitter with legal action for unblocking content “designed to inflame passions” about the ongoing farmer protests.
Following a directive from the government dated 31st January, Twitter blocked 250 accounts and one hashtag “ModiPlanningFarmerGenocide”. The Indian government had issued the order on the grounds that the accounts and the hashtag were spreading misinformation:
“The content with #ModiPlanningFarmerGenocide hashtag was posted on Twitter which was designed to inflame passions, hatred and factually incorrect. This is a motivated campaign to abuse, inflame and create tension in society on unsubstantiated grounds.”
“Incitement to genocide is not a freedom of speech,” the statement read, “it is a threat to law and order.”
Late on Monday evening, Twitter unblocked the accounts prompting uproar from the government. As Twitter is an “intermediary”, they said, it is “obliged to obey the direction of the government. Refusal to do so will invite penal action.”
The 5-page order stated that content featuring posted on Twitter was “designed to inflame passions, hatred and factually incorrect”.
“This is a motivated campaign to abuse, inflame and create tension in society on unsubstantiated grounds,” the order continued.
The agriculture reforms which prompted the protest were passed in September last year. The three bills loosen laws around sale and pricing of farm goods. While farmers are already permitted to sell stock to private buyers, the new laws in effect create a national framework for Indian farmers to a free market. As a majority of Indian farmers sell their produce at government-controlled markets with a guaranteed price floor, they are fearful of how this will play out in practice.
Since then, thousands of farmers marched on Delhi in protest at the new laws. Last week, violent clashes broke out between farmers and police after farmers breached Delhi’s iconic Red Fort. One protestor was killed and several policemen injured when a tractor toppled over after hitting a police barricade at speed.
Nine Indian journalists who reported allegations of the shooting are facing criminal charges for reporting allegations that a farmer was shot by police.
Since protests began in September, the farmers have received widespread international support. Yesterday, Singer and actress, Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg threw their support behind the movement on Twitter.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.