SALDEF Releases Groundbreaking Report on Transnational Repression and Minority Censorship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

February 20, 2024

Contact: Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

media@saldef.org | (202) 332-6700

 

SALDEF Releases Groundbreaking Report on Transnational Repression and Minority Censorship

WASHINGTON D.C. — This World Social Justice Day, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) unveiled a pioneering  report titled, Virtually Vulnerable: Exposing the Human Cost of Digital Harassment. This in-depth study examines the escalating problem of online harassment and censorship, specifically targeting the Sikh diaspora and allied communities like secular Hindus, Indian Muslims, and Dalits.

The report traces the evolution of digital censorship against all non-Hindu supremacist advocates and leaders in the 2020s, offering a detailed analysis of the sophisticated methods used to silence minority voices online. It highlights the troubling practices of Big Tech, specifically social media firms in censoring content under the guise of preserving national integrity, often resulting in the shadow banning and deletion of community-based social media accounts.

Key sections of the report include:

  • Online Harassment and the BJP IT Cell: Analyzing the role of the Bharatiya Janata Party in controlling online narratives.
  • Censorship of the Sikh Diaspora: Documenting the trends in misinformation and suppression of Sikh voices on significant dates and events–by SALDEF .
  • Silencing Dissent: Examining the strategic misinformation campaign against various minority groups, including Indian Muslim and progressive Hindu communities–by the Indian-American Muslim Council (IAMC) and Hindus for Human Rights (HHR).
  • Big Tech’s Failure to Protect Caste Equity: Discussing the manipulation of technology by nationalist groups and the implications for caste equity–by Equality Labs.

In addition to detailing these critical issues, SALDEF and our co-authors of “Virtually Vulnerable” present a series of policy recommendations aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration between tech companies and democracy-oriented nonprofits. These recommendations are geared towards mitigating international censorship and supporting the rights of free speech for diasporic communities.

“This report goes beyond simply highlighting the challenges faced by the Sikh diaspora; it serves as a clear call to action,” said Kavneet Singh, SALDEF Acting Executive Director. “We must urgently address the lack of transparency and accountability in the digital realm to safeguard the fundamental human and civil rights of all communities.”

“As the US government grows increasingly concerned about India’s escalating transnational repression, it is important to understand that this issue has roots in India’s ongoing abuse of online platforms against religious minorities and dissenters,” said Safa Ahmed, Associate Director of Media and Communications for IAMC. “This report offers critical recommendations to the US government on how to better protect Indian Americans from being targeted by the Modi regime online.”

“’Virtually Vulnerable’ sheds crucial light on the insidious ways digital harassment is employed against minority voices, including those in the Hindu community who stand for secular and democratic values. This report not only exposes these harmful practices but also provides vital policy recommendations. It’s essential that we come together to ensure that digital platforms are spaces of free expression and not tools of oppression.” said Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director, HHR.

“We are currently witnessing the digitization of caste apartheid, violent disinformation campaigns, and an era of surveillance capitalism exacerbated by right-wing authoritarianism. Caste-oppressed people have a right to advocate for their communities without the fear of being attacked and targeted by foreign state actors. This report is a critical look into the correlations between Big Tech, civil rights advocacy, and repression of dissent, and anyone concerned with free and ethical digital spaces should pay attention to it,” said Thenmozhi Soundararajan, Executive Director of Equality Labs, the nation’s leading Dalit civil rights organization.

The report is available for download on the SALDEF website, as well as those of our partners, and is a must-read for policymakers, human rights activists, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, human rights, and minority representation.

For more information or to request an interview with the authors of the report, please contact Amrita Kular, Communications Director.

About SALDEF:

SALDEF is the nation’s oldest Sikh civil rights and community impact organization.

www.saldef.org

Read and Download the Report

SALDEF Drives Bill Momentum with Four New Congressional Co-Sponsors to the Transnational Repression Policy Act

 

In the wake of recent transnational repression incidents targeting a Sikh American citizen in New York City, SALDEF has been heavily engaging with our Congressional and federal government allies to educate our nation’s leaders.

Amidst rising concerns about transnational repression, SALDEF has secured four new co-sponsors for the Transnational Repression Policy Act this January: Representative Goldman (NY-10), Representative Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), Representative Jayapal (WA-7), Representative Lee (CA-12). This critical bill, championed by SALDEF, offers targeted resources, protections, and government accountability to safeguard vulnerable communities.

By presenting compelling evidence and nuanced analyses of these transnational repression incidents, SALDEF is ensuring that Congress understands the immediate concerns of the Sikh community and also the broader implications for American democracy.

Here are some ways you can join the fight:

  • Contact the Biden Administration: Urge them to prioritize addressing transnational repression and its impact on Sikh Americans and all American communities.
  • Follow and share SALDEF’s social media content: Stay informed and amplify SALDEF’s message to raise awareness.
  • Donate to SALDEF: Your support fuels our critical work in protecting the rights and safety of Sikh Americans.

Sikh Americans have faced specific instances of transnational repression, including threats, harassment, and even attempted violence.  SALDEF works to expose these threats, advocate for justice, and ensure the safety and security of the Sikh American community. By advocating for policies and legislation that counter transnational repression, SALDEF seeks to create a safe environment for Sikh Americans to live and thrive.

The fight against transnational repression is ongoing, but SALDEF’s unwavering commitment is making a difference. By shining a light on this injustice and urging swift action, SALDEF is ensuring that Sikh Americans can live and thrive in America without fear, free from the shadows of foreign intimidation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 26, 2024

Contact:

Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

(202) 393-2700 | media@saldef.org

 

SALDEF Welcomes FBI’s Release of Punjabi PSA on Transnational Repression

Building on SALDEF advocacy, the release is an acknowledgement of community concerns

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) welcomes the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for releasing a public service announcement (PSA) in Punjabi, addressing transnational repression.

“By releasing this announcement in Punjabi, the FBI is validating the ongoing and very real threat of transnational repression against Sikhs in America, ” said SALDEF Acting Executive Director, Kavneet Singh. “This release builds on months of discussions with the Administration on how to effectively ensure the safety of the community in light of deep concerns shared with us by the sangat and other minority communities. Issuing it in Punjabi means that this information will reach the most members of our community as possible. This public service announcement underscores how seriously the government is taking our concerns around the safety, security, and sovereignty of America and its residents.”

The PSA highlights various forms of transnational repression such as surveillance, stalking, harassment, and cyberattacks. It underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting individuals in the United States from foreign threats and ensures that reports of repression are taken seriously, without the fear of information being shared with foreign governments. 

This critical development is a direct result of SALDEF’s continuous advocacy and engagement with the FBI, Congress, and the Administration to protect the rights and freedoms of the Sikh American community.

With detailed research reports in the past and a forthcoming report on transnational repression, SALDEF continues to lead the charge engaging with national leaders regarding the safety and advancement of Sikh American civil rights. 

SALDEF urges community members and the press to listen to and share the PSA, and to report any instances of transnational repression. The PSA is a crucial tool in our collective efforts to combat intimidation and threats from foreign entities.

—

Please see the PSA’s transcription below, and you can listen to the full audio here.

“FBI ਤੋਂ ਮੈਂ ਹਾਂ ਸੁਖਵੀਰ ਕੌਰ ਤੇ ਹੁਣ ਸੁਣੋ FBI ਵਲੋਂ ਜਰੂਰੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ

I am Sukhvir Kaur from the FBI. Listen to this important message from the FBI.

ਸਾਡੇ ਦੇਸ਼ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਵਿਚ ਬਾਹਰਲੇ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਸਰਕਾਰਾਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕਣ ਲਈ ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਨੂੰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ।

In our country, America, foreign governments are currently committing transnational repression. To stop this, the FBI needs your help.

ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ੀ ਸਾਰਕਾਰਾਂ ਜਾਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਮੁਲਾਜ਼ਮਾਂ ਜਾਂ ਮੁਖਬਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਵਿਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਇਨਸਾਨ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਤੇ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੁਝ ਕਿਸਮਾਂ ਇਹ ਨੇ:

These are the types of TNR Foreign governments; their operatives or informants are conducting against any person living in America:

ਨਿਗਰਾਨੀ ਰੱਖਣੀ, ਪਿੱਛਾ ਕਰਨਾ, ਤੰਗ ਪਰੇਸ਼ਾਨ ਕਰਨਾ,  ਅਗਵਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਜਾਂ ਉਸ ਤੇ ਸਰੀਰਕ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਨਾ, ਅਤੇ ਧਮਕੀਆਂ ਤੇ ਡਰਾਵੇ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਜ਼ਬਰਦਸਤੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਜਾਂ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ(ਆਂ) ਬਾਰੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਇਕੱਠੀ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਨੀ।

Surveillance, stalking, harassing, attempting to kidnap or attacking someone physically. and coercively trying to gather intelligence about a community or individual(s) through threats and intimidation.

ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਉਸ ਦੇ ਮੂਲ ਦੇਸ਼ ਨੂੰ ਮੁੜਨ ਲਈ ਮਜਬੂਰ ਕਰਨਾ ਜਾਂ ਮੂਲ ਦੇਸ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਉਸਦੇ ਰਿਸ਼ਤੇਦਾਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਡਰਾਉਣਾ ਜਾਂ ਹਿਰਾਸਤ ਵਿਚ ਲੈਣਾ।

Forcing someone to return to their country of origin or intimidating or taking relatives into custody that live in the person’s country of origin

ਕਿਸੇ ਦੇ ਕੰਪਿਊਟਰ ਜਾਂ ਫੋਨ ਨੂੰ ਹੈਕ ਕਰਕੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਨਿੱਜਤਾ ‘ਤੇ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਜਾਂ ਉਸ ਬਾਰੇ ਇੰਟਰਨੈਟ ‘ਤੇ ਕੂੜ

ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਕਰਨਾ।

Hacking into someone’s computer or phone and attacking their privacy OR conducting disinformation campaigns against someone

ਕਿਸੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਤੀ ਜਾਇਦਾਦਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜ਼ਬਤ ਕਰਨਾ।

Forfeiting someone’s financial assets

ਜੇ ਤੁਹਨੂੰ ਲਗਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਰ ਹੋ ਤਾਂ ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ  ਨੂੰ ਹੁਣੇ 1-800 CALL FBI ਜਾਂ 1 800 225 5324 ਤੇ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਕਰੋ ਤੇ ਜੇ ਤੁਹਡੇ ਲਈ ਅੰਗਰੇਜੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਨਾ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਿਲ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਗਲ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕਹਿ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ।

If you believe you are a target of TNR, call the FBI now at 1-800 CALL FBI। 1 800 225 5324 or if you have difficulty speaking in English ask to speak to someone in Punjabi

ਜਾਂ ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਦੀ ਵੈਬਸਾਈਟ tips.fbi.gov ‘ਤੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਇਤ ਦਰਜ ਕਰਾਓ।

Or visit tips.fbi.gov to submit your complaint.

ਹੋਰ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਲਈ ਦੇਖੋ, fbi.gov/TNR

For more information, check, fbi.gov/TNR

ਜੇਕਰ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਸਰੀਰਕ ਖਤਰੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋ, ਤਾਂ 911 ‘ਤੇ ਕਾਲ ਕਰੋ।

If you are in immediate physical danger call 911

ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਰਿਪੋਰਟ ਕਦੇ ਵੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ੀ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਂਝੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ। ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਦਾ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਕਰਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਯੂਨਾਈਟਡ ਸਟੇਟਸ ਦੇ ਸੰਵਿਧਾਨ ਨੂੰ ਕਾਇਮ ਰੱਖਣਾ ਹੈ।

Your report will never be shared with any foreign government by the FBI. The mission of the FBI is to protect people living in the United States and uphold the Constitution of the United States.”

About SALDEF:

SALDEF is the nation’s oldest Sikh civil rights group based in Washington, D.C. focused on advocating for civil rights, investing in Sikh youth, and building capacity in the Sikh American community.

Our mission is to empower Sikh Americans by building dialogue, deepening understanding, promoting civic participation, and upholding social justice and religious freedom for all Americans.

We are grounded in our values of optimism (chardi kala), humility (nimrata), and service (seva), inspired by the community (sangat) for the benefit of all (sarbat da bhalla). We envision a United States where Sikh Americans are recognized as a vibrant and integral part of the fabric of this nation and are respected for our shared values of service, social justice, and an unshakeable belief in freedom and equality for all.

You can learn more at www.saldef.org

 

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

(202) 393-2700 

media@saldef.org

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

Washington, DC – November 14, 2023 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights organization, is pleased to announce new additions to the board of directors. The new directors are a diverse group of leaders from across the country, each with a deep commitment to SALDEF’s mission of empowering the Sikh American community.

The new board members are:

  • Prabhdeep Singh, NY | Partner at Armory Square Ventures
  • Bhagdeep Dhaliwal, CA | Entrepreneur and Business Owner
  • Gurjit Chima, MD | Assistant County Manager, Office of Human Rights, EEO & ADA
  • Arveen Kohli, TX | Founder, President and CEO of 11th Dimension Services
  • Jasjit Singh Ahluwalia, NJ | Physician and Public Health Scientist at Brown University School of Public Health and Alpert Medical School
  • Rajvir Singh Goomer, NJ | Partner at Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas

 

 

“On behalf of the entire organization, I am thrilled to introduce and extend a warm welcome to our new board members. This group comprises exceptionally talented and devoted individuals who are dedicated to guiding our organization with humility nimrata (humilty) and seva (selfless service) at the core of their actions,” stated SALDEF Board Chair Kavneet Singh. “The Sikh American community boasts remarkable leaders and dedicated sevadars throughout the country. We consider ourselves fortunate to welcome these six new directors to our board as we continue to work towards shaping a brighter future for our sangat and SALDEF, firmly rooted in the principles of service and the pursuit of justice for all.”

The new board members will play a critical role in SALDEF’s work to advocate for the rights of Sikh Americans, educate the public about Sikhism, and combat anti-Sikh hate.

They will also help to oversee the organization’s strategic planning and ensure that SALDEF continues to be a leading voice for the Sikh American community, joining the existing board members.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new board members,” said SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill. “Their collective experience, expertise, and passion will be invaluable as we continue to work to build a more just and equitable society for all Sikh Americans.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2023

SALDEF Condemns Indian Government’s Reported Involvement in Murder of Sikh Activist in Canada

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) condemned the Indian government’s reported involvement in the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

“The Indian government’s reported involvement in the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil would be a flagrant violation of international law, a direct attack on foundational values of free expression and free speech, and a dramatic escalation in attempts to silence Sikh voices around the globe ,” said SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill. “We urge the Canadian government to take all necessary steps to bring the perpetrators to justice and hold the Indian government accountable for its actions.”

Nijjar was a strong supporter of an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan. He was gunned down outside a Sikh gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.

On September 18, 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that Canadian security agencies were investigating credible allegations of a potential link between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s murder.

“The Indian government has a long and documented history of targeting Sikh activists, both in India and abroad,” said Gill. “This latest incident is a reminder that the Indian government is willing to go to any lengths to silence its critics.”

Earlier this year, SALDEF published a policy recommendations report outlining how the Indian state incites Sikh censorship across social media and online platforms. The murder of Nijjar is yet another example of the Indian state’s encroachment on the Sikh diaspora’s free speech and right to live a life of dignity and safety. You can read more about the censorship report here.

Now, SALDEF calls on the Canadian government to:

  • Conduct a full and independent investigation into Nijjar’s murder and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
  • Hold the Indian government accountable for its role in Nijjar’s murder.
  • Take steps to protect the Sikh community in Canada from further persecution.

SALDEF also calls on the United States government to:

  • Condemn and investigate the Indian government’s involvement in Nijjar’s murder.
  • Urge the Indian government to cease its persecution of Sikh and minority activists.
  • 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 rights of free expression and safety will be protected.

About SALDEF:

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is a leading national Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization based in Washington D.C. SALDEF works to build Sikh American capacity through education, fostering community, and civic engagement. By engaging with federal and state leaders, publishing critical policy reports, placing Sikh Americans in government and advocacy internships across the nation, and more, SALDEF is paving a brighter path for future generations. Learn more at www.saldef.org

Read our up to date fact sheet here.

 

“SB403 is a crucial piece of legislation that will protect vulnerable communities from discrimination and foster a more equitable California. We are proud to stand alongside our coalition partners in advocating for the passage of this historic bill. Caste-based discrimination is especially prevalent in South Asian communities in America, but this bill sets a national example for expanding civil rights and the American values of liberty and justice for all.”

Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director

Uniting Against Caste Discrimination

SALDEF joins the Californians for Caste Equity Coalition of civil rights organizations, state legislators, and community advocates to celebrate the rapid passage of California State Bill SB403. The anti-caste discrimination bill just passed its final procedural step, with the California Senate casting a successful final concurrence vote. Now, the coalition calls on Governor Newsom to swiftly sign the bill.

 

SB403 seeks to combat caste discrimination and strengthen protections for marginalized communities across the state. State Senator Wahab, the lead author of the bill, joined caste equity civil rights activists and organizations from across the country—including the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and Equality Labs—in their united effort to promote equality and justice for California’s caste-oppressed community.

 

Stay Up to Date on How We Are Making Civil Rights History:

Countering Mis- and Dis- Information

SALDEF ran digital ads (below) to counteract mis- and dis- information being spread about SB403 in the Yuba City region of California. Over the course of 2 weeks, the ad was viewed about 15,000 times with a 60% completion rate. Versions of the ad included both English and Punjabi to be more accessible to sangat members who were most vulnerable to disinformation.

WASHINGTON, D.C.–  Today, empowering the fight for free speech and against the stifling of Sikh voices, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) took a bold stand by hosting a Social Media Censorship Day of Action on X, formerly known as Twitter. This concerted effort aims to shed light on the censorship faced by Sikh Americans and to demand accountability from the current leadership of X. Today also is Indian Independence Day. 

SALDEF’s Social Media Censorship Day of Action served as a platform to address the grave issue of censorship that has marginalized Sikh voices. The event included an earnest plea for a response from X’s present leadership and insights from SALDEF’s new and comprehensive 2023 Dissent Across ‘Democracies’ censorship report.

The panel discussion featured: 

  • Jyot Singh, Policy Manager at SALDEF
  • Jas Singh, Founding Member of The Sikh Net (United Kingdom)
  • Hardeep Singh, freelance journalist and Deputy Director of the Sikh Messenger (United Kingdom)
  • Jasveer Singh, Senior Press Officer for the Sikh Press Association 

Notably, the candid admission by Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter, on a 2023 YouTube show, wherein he revealed the Indian government’s overt threats to Twitter, underscores the perilous erosion of democratic values within a nation that prides itself as the world’s largest democracy.

“The Indian government’s global social media disinformation campaign and manipulation of profit-driven social media firms have severely constrained the Sikh diaspora’s online freedom of speech. This suppression repeatedly manifested in recent years as censorship faced by Sikh Americans who attempted to engage in honest discussions about the 2020-21 farmers’ protests, advocated for justice amid the state’s manhunt of a Sikh activist in 2023, and continue to truthfully highlight broader human rights concerns in India,” said Jyot Singh, Policy Manager at SALDEF.

Public critics of the Indian government, including global Sikh activists, endure targeted online harassment. SALDEF’s extensive research has captured firsthand accounts of individuals receiving hate-filled emails and direct messages on significant Sikh holidays or memorial dates. This hostility often seeps from their dedicated Sikh-focused pages to their personal profiles and even businesses, resulting in unwarranted review bombings that endanger livelihoods. Censored journalists and activists were a part of the panel.

 

[QUOTES FROM OTHER SPEAKERS]

SALDEF’s resolute response to this urgent issue is reflected in its 2023 Dissent Across ‘Democracies’ censorship report. The report presents well-founded recommendations aimed at empowering platforms to withstand manipulation and safeguard democratic values. Among these recommendations are strategies like geofencing antiterrorism requests, cultivating alliances with advocates for marginalized communities, partnering with democracy-oriented nonprofits, and fostering resilience in the face of challenges.

“This is an important report on an extremely serious subject which indeed has global ramifications. SALDEF must be commended for their continuous and comprehensive efforts in highlighting such sinister incursions on free speech, not least because of the interference with that very inalienable right, now impacting diasporic communities – as has been observed on prominent social media platforms, like the one formerly known as Twitter. Let’s hope policy makers, community organizations and companies take its thoughtful recommendations seriously, and implement steps to act upon them,” said Hardeep Singh, freelance journalist and Deputy Director of the Sikh Messenger.

“Twitter has been absolutely appalling when it comes to engaging on issues that impact the Sikh community which stem from censorship and fall into misinformation and beyond that,” said Jasveer Singh, Senior Press Officer for the Sikh Press Association.

“Personally, Sikh Press Association probably sent a dozen different emails over the course of six months with our account running freely on Twitter and we were just being completely ignored,” said Jasveer Singh, Senior Press Officer for the Sikh Press Association.

“It was ironic because Meta had us down as an organization that they wanted to engage with in terms of discussion and opening up and getting feedback into the Sikh community and I said, ‘That’s fine, but you’ve already banned us from your platform’,” said Jas Singh, Sikh Activist and Founder of The Sikh Network (UK)

“I saw Jack Dorsey’s message where he openly admitted that India forced Twitter to take action against accounts posting about the Farmers’ Protests or else they’ll shut down Twitter’s offices in the country. But, he presided over Twitter and did nothing. To admit it afterwards, and then pass the books to Elon Musk and blame him is a huge failure for Twitter’s leadership,” said Jas Singh, Sikh Activist and Founder of The Sikh Network (UK)

To read SALDEF’s full 2023 Dissent Across ‘Democracies’ censorship report, please visit https://saldef.org/sikhcensorship/.

 

About SALDEF:

SALDEF is a national Sikh American advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. focused on building leadership and capacity in the Sikh American community.

Our mission is to empower Sikh Americans by building dialogue, deepening understanding, promoting civic and political participation, and upholding social justice and religious freedom for all Americans.

We are grounded in our values of optimism (chardi kala), humility (nimrata) and service (seva), inspired by the community (sangat) for the benefit of all (sarbat da bhalla). We envision a United States where Sikh Americans are recognized as a vibrant and integral part of the fabric of this nation and are respected for our shared values of service, social justice, and an unshakeable belief in freedom and equality for all.

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SALDEF Executive Director to Highlight Sikh Activism at the Largest Global Gathering of Interfaith Leaders

We are excited to announce the participation of SALDEF Executive Director, Kiran Kaur Gill in the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions from August 14-18 in Chicago, IL.

The 2023 Parliament convening is the most important and largest gathering of the world’s religious and spiritual leaders and practitioners, activists, and organizers uniting in a collective, courageous, and clear reply to the most dangerous crisis confronting us today–authoritarianism.

As the leader of the oldest Sikh advocacy organization in the United States, Kiran Kaur Gill has a proven track record of working to promote understanding and tolerance between different faiths.

The listed sessions at the Parliament (photo on right) will be an opportunity to share her insights on how we can build a more just and equitable world for all people.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is a unique opportunity for people of all faiths to come together and build bridges of understanding. To view full event details, please visit https://parliamentofreligions.org/2023-program/.