An Indian expatriate in the UAE has been arrested here for organising a march in support of the anti-corruption movement launched by social activist Anna Hazare, who is on an indefinite fast in New Delhi.
More than 150 Indian nationals had gathered at Dubai's Al Mamzar Beach last evening for a three-kilometre march in support of the Gandhian. Halfway through the walk, police arrived and ordered everyone, except the organiser, to leave, ‘The National’ newspaper reported on Sunday.
"We were suddenly stopped by police," one of the participants, who did not wish to be named, said.
"We were asked to leave immediately. It was just a peaceful walk," he was quoted as saying by the daily.
Confirming the arrest, a senior Dubai Police criminal investigations official said the man, who was not named in the report, was being interrogated at the Al Muraqqabat Police station for ‘illegally organising a march through Facebook’.
He said no permit had been obtained for the march. The official said police units were sent to the scene and marchers were dispersed.
One person was taken into custody for organising the march. Members of the group, including children, were wearing badges that read, ‘I support Anna’ and carrying the tricolour.
According to UAE law, a suspect can be held without charge for 48 hours before being referred to the prosecution. The Indian consulate said it was aware of the arrest and would provide assistance. Authorities have appealed to Indian nationals to obey local laws.
"It is important to respect local laws and sensitivity," Sanjay Verma, the Indian consul general, said.
Verma said another group of more than 150 Indian expatriates had met him yesterday to express their support for the ongoing anti-corruption movement.
"We received a petition signed by 170 people. It has been forwarded to the (Indian) Prime Minister's office. That is the best way to do, instead of violating local laws," the Indian diplomat said.
Hazare's indefinite fast for the passage of Jan Lokpal bill today entered sixth day, as thousands of people pouring in at New Delhi's Ramlila Ground and scores of others holding demonstrations in several parts of India and abroad to express their solidarity with the anti-graft movement.