Anti-CAA Protests Go Global: Chants of ‘Azaadi’ Echo In Berlin

People from all walks of life are claiming the streets of India.

Indians in Berlin protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act. 

(Photo Courtesy: Sarosh Imam)

On 21 December, Indians in Berlin gathered to protest the Citizenship Amendment Act passed in India. We all condemn the CAA and the NRC, which taken together are a draconian breach of our Constitution.

Voices of ‘Azaadi’ echoed at Brandenburg Gate — students, seniors, people of all age groups joined the protest. Students from different cities in Berlin too joined in solidarity.

Indians in Berlin protest the CAA and the NRC.

In addition to the NRC and CAA, this is also about the right to protest, which is a more fundamental right than any other. Unfortunately, students back home have been subjected to brutality at the hands of the state, their rights taken away. This, in supposed safe spaces like Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi and Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh.

A poster reads ‘In 1947, we chose to live in secular India, not in detention camp.’

For the past couple of weeks, videos and photos of this brutality have shocked and pained us.

Citizens protest at Brandenburg Gate.

However, the students’ perseverance is commendable given these circumstances. Not just them, people from all walks of life are claiming the streets. This is both inspiring and necessary.

Poster at the protest that reads ‘Solidarity with students of AMU, Jamia.’

This is our idea of India — people standing together, raising our voices for something we believe in, to demand something that is right.

The protest was also staged in solidarity with students who have faced police brutality.

People stand together to chant ‘Azaadi’.

‘We reject NRC-CAA,’ a placard reads.

A man wears a placard on his person that states ‘All power to the people.’ 

Safe spaces like Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University have faced police brutality.

All of us make India, and that is the essence of our Constitution.

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