Life-long human rights activist and recently re-elected Green MEP for London Jean Lambert addressed the crowd of 30,000 (right) who marched from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square to commemorate the tragic events of June 1984 in Amritsar, Panjab and call for justice for the victims.
Sikhs are still seeking the truth three decades on from the massacre after troops stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Tens of thousands of Sikhs are suspected to have been killed in the attack and in the months of violence which followed.
Speaking ahead of the rally, Jean said: “”Everyone should have the right to freedom of thought, religion and belief free from harassment, abuse or discrimination. The right to freedom of religion is recognised in both the European Convention on Human Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In Asia, and here in the UK, we should all have the right to express our religious beliefs without persecution.
“Remembering the tragic events that unfolded at the Golden Temple Complex in Amritsar, Panjab 30 years ago, I will continue to raise the concerns of the Sikh community in the European Parliament and press for justice for those that have suffered torture and human rights violations.
“I hope that the rally will not only be a time of reflection for the Sikh community but also demonstrate to others that we all have the right to express our religious beliefs without being victimised.”