For Immediate Release
November 22, 2023
SALDEF Urges DOJ to Unseal Indictment on the Recent Attempted Attack on a Sikh American
Washington, D.C. – There have been recent reports of U.S. authorities disclosing an alleged attempted attack by the Indian Government on a Sikh American on American soil. If true, the alleged involvement of the Indian Government in threatening the safety of the Sikh diaspora would fall into a recurring pattern of transnational repression, including allegations of threats against Sikhs in the United States documented by the FBI earlier this year.
As a leading Sikh American advocacy organization, we strongly believe in upholding American values including freedom of speech and the civil rights and liberties of all Sikh Americans. In America, peaceful freedom of speech and the right to live a life of dignity are pillars of our democracy. The plan to attack a Sikh American on American soil would be yet another example of the Indian Government’s encroachment on the rights of the Sikh Diaspora. SALDEF continues to follow up with the FBI, White House, DHS, Congress, and DOJ as we closely monitor the situation and ensure the safety of all Sikh Americans is prioritized.
“We are encouraged that the United States government is escalating this diplomatically. Sikh Americans demand full transparency regarding the safety of our community,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director. “We urge the Department of Justice to unseal the indictment of the alleged perpetrators related to this most recent incident.”
SALDEF calls on the Department of Justice and the United States government to:
- Unseal the indictment of the alleged perpetrators. The Sikh American community deserves full transparency regarding the safety of our lives.
- Urge the Indian government to cease its alleged persecution of Sikhs and minorities in America.
- Work with the Canadian government to hold the perpetrators of Nijjar’s murder accountable.
- Reassure the Sikh American and other Indian minority communities that their civil rights of peaceful free speech and safety will be protected.
SALDEF is available for comment at kiran@saldef.org