Indian police have arrested Disha Ravi, a 22-year-old climate activist, charging her with sedition and conspiracy for allegedly editing and circulating a protest "toolkit" shared by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg in support of India's farmers' protests.
Thunberg's tweet earlier this month expressed solidarity with farmers demonstrating against agricultural reforms they fear will harm their livelihoods. The shared toolkit provided guidance on creating awareness, including hashtags and petition links, but Delhi police claimed it was part of a conspiracy to wage a "war" against India.
Ravi, a co-founder of the Bangalore chapter of Fridays for Future, was arrested after a raid on her home and flown to Delhi. Authorities alleged she was a "key conspirator" who shared the toolkit with Thunberg. Ravi, who works at a vegan restaurant, denied the allegations in court, saying she had only edited two lines in the document.
Environmental groups condemned her arrest as a "witch hunt," accusing authorities of using fabricated charges. The Coalition for Environmental Justice in India criticized the lack of transparency during her detention, labeling it as an "extrajudicial abduction." Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called the arrest "an unprecedented attack on democracy."
The incident follows a global spotlight on India's farmer protests after Thunberg and pop star Rihanna tweeted support. Their comments drew sharp criticism from Indian authorities, who accused them of international interference. While the protests have been largely peaceful, violence erupted on January 26 when farmers stormed Delhi's Red Fort.
Police are continuing investigations, seeking two additional suspects linked to the toolkit, which they allege aims to create divisions in Indian society. Critics argue the arrest is part of a broader effort to suppress dissent amid ongoing farmer demonstrations.