Political & Economic Notes :
Protests against Covid-19 Restrictions
In the last week of January 2021 , people of various developed countries protested against imposition of restrictions by their governments in the name of curbing the Covid-19 .
In Netherlands anti-curfew demonstrations protested against corn virus restrictions . These protests turned into riots have conti-nued for several nights across the entire country . While it was the first curfew imposed in the country since the second worldwar , this has triggered protests and unrest with violence . The rioters set fires , threw rocks and looted stores . In more than 10 cities emergency orders were issued providing police officers with greater powers to conduct searches . The government said it will not back down on its curfew .
In Denmark Hundreds of people took to streets on the night of Feb . 6 , to protest against Denmark ’ s Covid-19 restrictions and country ’ s plans for digital vaccination certificate . The protesters gathered in the bitter cold in front of the parliament building to protest the “ dictatorship ” of Denmark ’ s partial lock-down . Plans of the government for a digital vaccine passport for Travellers to be used potentially for sports and cultural events as well as restaurants , was the main target of the protester ’ s anger . In the capital of Spain Madrid thousands of anti-restriction protesters marched against the restrictions imposed in Italy , students demonstrated in front of education Ministry ’ s head quarters in Rome protesting against ‘ distance learning ’ due to governments restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 . Protesters in Los Angeles of USA , have briefly disrupted a corona virus vaccination distribution centre at dodger stadium . The protesters carried placards with slogans demanding the end of lockdowns and promoting anti-vaccination conspiracy theories . In Jerusalem thousands of ultra-orthodox Jews defied Israel , corn virus restrictions to attend a rabbis funeral , prompting defence Minister to demand the community ’ s repeated breaking of lock-down rules must end .
Bihar Police are Over-Stepping the Limits !
It is apparent that the police in Bihar are over-stepping their limits and are attempting to cowdown the public . Two recent circulars issued by the police expose the over-zealous threat of the police , attempting to circumscribing freedom of expression and trampling upon the right to free speech . It is also apparent that the Bihar police intend to curb the right to protest which is guaranteed by the constitution .
One of the circulars issued by the economic offences unit of Bihar police reads as “ It has come to the light that certain people and organisations have been sharing defamatory and offensive posts on social media against the government , respected ministers , M . Ps , legislators and government officers . This is totally against the law and falls under the category of
March , April - 2021 cyber crimes ”. This circular was issued to the principal secretaries and secretaries of various departments . this circular adds that those found guilty will be treated in accordance with law .
The tenor of the warning suggests that cyber crime wing may initiate proceedings against those who post offensive messages . However , it , is to be remembered that police cannot register FIRs for defamation , and it is not a subject of police investigation . But the Bihar state government justifies such a police encroachment that the proposed action would only be against rumour-mongering and insulting language .
R . J . D leader Tejaswi Yadav called the circular as an attack on freedom of speech , and he challenged to arrest him under this new order . He stated that Bihar police sells liquor , saves criminals and implicates the innocent .
By issuing the Bihar police have over stepped the limitssupport of the state government do not give then any legal or constitutional sanctity . Dissent is legitimate and it cannot be trampled upon by police nor the muzzle those who criticise them or expose their corrupt ways . If this over zealous police threat is allowed , it will be reaching nearer to is making a police state .
The Bihar police have issued another circular which says that the police will issue a verification report about the persons character and also find out about his past history . This curcular also states that people indulging in violent protests and the road blockages will not be eligible for government jobs .
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