'Free speech does not mean…' US lawmakers Ro Khanna condemn attempted arson at Indian Consulate in San Francisco
violent rhetoric’ against India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu and said free speech does not mean a license to incite violence or vandalise property. Congressmen Ro Khanna in a tweet said that act is dangerous and has no place in a democracy. He also added that free speech does not mean a license to incite violence.
In a tweet, he wrote, “I know Ambassador Sandhu & respect him. When I bring up human rights issues, he always engages with civility, thoughtfulness & candor. This rhetoric puts diplomats in harm’s way.
It’s dangerous & has no place in a democracy. Free speech does not mean a license to incite violence." Later a joint statement was also by Ro Khanna and Michael Waltz, co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans which stated that said violence against diplomatic facilities will not be tolerated. "As the co-chairs of the India Caucus, we strongly condemn the attempted arson and vandalism at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco and the posters circulating on social media with violent rhetoric aimed at Indian diplomats, including Ambassador Sandhu," they said.
"We support the right to free speech and freedom of expression for every American but that is not a license to vandalise property or incite violence. Violence against diplomatic facilities is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated. We urge the State Department to coordinate with law enforcement in their investigation of the damage at the Indian Consulate expeditiously and hold those involved accountable," they added.
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