Dutch Parliamentarian Supports Influencer's Release
Geert Wilders, a prominent Dutch Member of Parliament and leader of the right-wing Party for Freedom, publicly called for the release of Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old Indian influencer recently detained by Kolkata Police. Wilders criticized the arrest as an infringement on freedom of speech.
In a social media post, Wilders stated:
"Free the brave Sharmistha Panoli! It's a disgrace for the freedom of speech that she was arrested. Don't punish her for speaking the truth about Pakistan and Muhammad. Help her!"
Background of the Arrest
Sharmistha Panoli, a law student and social media influencer, was arrested following videos she posted that contained communally sensitive and abusive language. Additionally, her content targeted Bollywood actors who she accused of silence regarding Operation Sindoor, India's counter-response to the Pahalgam terror attack which resulted in 26 casualties.
The arrest has sparked significant controversy, with political parties weighing in heavily. The FIR filed against Panoli cites sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning promoting religious enmity, deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings, and intentional insult likely to provoke breach of peace.
Upon arrest, she was produced in court and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.
Political Reactions and Commentary
The detention has ignited political debate. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and allied factions have criticized the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee, accusing it of failing to uphold law and order.
Pawan Kalyan, leader of the Jana Kalyan Sena, expressed measured critique, noting that while Panoli's remarks were hurtful and she had apologized promptly, he highlighted the absence of similar action against political leaders from other parties who have allegedly made disparaging comments about Hindu beliefs.
In response, Mamata Banerjee accused BJP of inciting communal tension through divisive strategies and defended the regional party’s stance, asserting that derogatory remarks branded as 'ganda dharma' contradict the essence of Hinduism.
Official Police Statement on Arrest Procedures
Kolkata Police clarified their position, emphasizing that all legal protocols were properly followed during Panoli's arrest. Attempts to serve notice were unsuccessful as she was reportedly evading service, prompting issuance of a court warrant and her subsequent lawful apprehension in Gurgaon.
The police urged the public to avoid misinformation and rely on verified sources, stressing the transparent nature of the judicial process involved.
Current Status and Public Responses
After widespread public reaction, Sharmistha Panoli deleted the contentious video and issued a formal apology. Meanwhile, the arrest continues to attract attention internationally due to the involvement of foreign political figures and the broader debate over freedom of expression versus communal harmony.
