Why is Dutch MP Geert Wilders Supporting Sharmishta Panoli?
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Synopsis
Dutch MP Geert Wilders voices his support for Sharmishta Panoli, a young Indian influencer arrested for social media posts deemed offensive. Wilders condemns the arrest, calling it a violation of free speech, and urges Indian leadership to prioritize justice. This incident sparks political controversy and raises questions about freedom of expression in India.
Key Takeaways
- Geert Wilders supports Sharmishta Panoli's freedom of speech.
- The arrest has ignited political controversy in India.
- Legal charges include promoting enmity and religious outrage.
- Operation Sindoor was a response to a major terror attack.
- The incident raises questions about freedom of expression in India.
Amsterdam, June 1 (NationPress) Dutch Member of Parliament Geert Wilders has expressed his support for Sharmishta Panoli, a 22-year-old Indian law student and influencer, who was taken into custody by Kolkata Police for supposedly offending religious sentiments through her social media activity.
Wilders condemned the arrest as a “disgrace for the freedom of speech” and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate Panoli’s release.
“Free the courageous Sharmishta Panoli! It’s a disgrace for the freedom of speech that she was arrested. Don’t punish her for expressing the truth about Pakistan and Muhammad. Assist her, Narendra Modi,” Wilders tweeted on X, sharing an image of Panoli with the caption “All eyes on Sharmishta”.
Panoli was apprehended on a Saturday in Kolkata for sharing videos that contained communal comments during Operation Sindoor—India’s counterterror operation that followed the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including one Nepali.
The FIR against her cites several charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for inciting religious animosity, intentionally outraging religious sentiments, and provoking a disturbance of peace.
Even after retracting the video and issuing a public apology, Panoli was presented in court and placed in 14-day judicial custody.
Her arrest has sparked significant political backlash, particularly from the BJP, which has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of engaging in a “vote-bank vendetta”.
“Why was Sharmishta Panoli arrested overnight for a deleted video, which triggered no riot or unrest?” questioned Sukanta Majumdar, West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister of State.
“When TMC leaders insult Sanatan Dharma, label 'Jai Shri Ram' as a slur, and ridicule the Maha Kumbh, there are no FIRs, no arrests, no apologies. This is not justice; it’s appeasement politics,” he remarked.
Known for his outspoken position against radical Islam, Wilders had previously shown support for former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma during the global controversy surrounding her comments on Prophet Muhammad, describing her statements as “truthful” and accusing Islamic nations of pressuring India into silence.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the delicate balance between freedom of speech and societal harmony. The arrest of Sharmishta Panoli raises significant questions about the limits of expression in India. While the political implications are undeniable, it is vital to approach this situation with careful consideration of the broader impact on democratic principles.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sharmishta Panoli?
Sharmishta Panoli is a 22-year-old law student and influencer from India who was arrested by Kolkata Police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through her social media posts.
What did Geert Wilders say about Sharmishta Panoli's arrest?
Geert Wilders condemned the arrest as a disgrace to freedom of speech and urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure her release.
What charges were filed against Sharmishta Panoli?
Panoli faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting enmity on religious grounds and deliberately outraging religious feelings.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor is India's counterterror operation that occurred after the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
What political reactions followed Panoli's arrest?
The arrest sparked backlash, particularly from the BJP, accusing the West Bengal government of political vendetta.
