Shillong, Feb 15: Fridays For Future Meghalaya has urged for the immediate release of Fridays For Future Bengaluru coordinator, Disha Ravi who was arrested by the Cyber Branch of Delhi Police.

Extending solidarity, the group in a statement issued here said, “It’s been said that dissent is the safety valve of democracy. Thus, we hope that Disha’s right to freedom of speech and dissent is not misconstrued as sedition and urge for her immediate release”.

Ravi was arrested for allegations of Criminal Conspiracy, Sedition and Promotion of Hatred under Section 120A, 124A and 153A of the Indian Penal Code in relation to the “Toolkit”, of the farmers protest, tweeted by Greta Thunberg.

“Toolkits are a component of democratic strikes and peaceful protest all over the world, which seek to raise awareness about the strike and its course of action for the public. Therefore, allegations of international conspiracy via the toolkit and of sedition is far-fetched and an over-reaction”, the group said.

The group further said, “It’s been said that dissent is the safety valve of democracy. Thus, we hope that Disha’s right to freedom of speech and dissent is not misconstrued as sedition and urge for her immediate release”.

Fridays For Future Meghalaya stated that the group is a decentralized and horizontal movement and they are all leaders for the cause of the environment and not a foreign-funded NGO with ulterior motives against the integrity and sovereignty of the country.

“We urge all our compatriots to stand in solidarity with us and for our democracy”, the group stated.