Protests and demonstrations have been staged across the world in condemnation of the ongoing Israeli airstrikes that have killed at least 212 Palestinians in Gaza, including numerous children. police arrested a graffiti artist in another one of the world’s conflict flashpoints after he expressed solidarity with victims through a mural that went viral online. In the midst of one such protest in Kashmir, a graffiti artist was arrested after he painted a mural to show solidarity with the Palestinian victims.
What Happened : The Kashmiri artist Mudasir Gul, who lives in the capital city of the Indian-administered territory, was held by police without charge for three days after an image of his “We Are Palestine” went viral on social media. He was also forced to paint over it. According to Gul, the police warned him, “graffiti, burning flags, and raising slogans is illegal in Kashmir.” Additionally, 20 Kashmiris were also arrested for protesting against the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine. A cleric, Peeri Kamil Sarjan Barkati, who delivered a sermon in favor of the oppressed Palestinians, was also detained after a recording of his sermon made rounds on various social media platforms.
What Next: While Gul was released on Monday, but the cleric Sarjan Barkati is still under arrest. The former chief minister of the state, Mehbooba Mufti, took to Twitter to voice her criticism of the unwarranted arrests.
People all over the world are protesting against the atrocities committed by Israel on Palestine. But in Kashmir its a punishable offence where an artist is booked under PSA & a preacher is arrested simply for expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 16, 2021
Others were also swift in their disapproval of the arrests.
“Where in the world do they arrest you for expressing your emotions?”
Mudasir Gul’s father asks!
‘Did he deserve this?’: Kashmiri artist jailed after painting mural for Palestine returns home | Free Press Kashmir https://t.co/4wFB7LFYe9
— by any other name (@goldosuri) May 16, 2021