Tsunami of global support for Arnab Goswami; 'Release Arnab' protests & chants resound

Ever since Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami was physically assaulted and illegally arrested from his Mumbai residence last Wednesday, massive support for him has been pouring in across India and the globe. Meanwhile, the petition for showing solidarity with Arnab and standing against the injustice is nearing 6 lakh signatories. 

On Sunday, voices of NRIs from 12 countries across the world resounded against the atrocities post the shocking events of the morning, wherein Arnab Goswami was suddenly shifted to the Taloja jail, in an enclosed arrest van, making a terrifying and heartwrenching appeal.

Digital protest for Arnab Goswami

NRI Indians in New Jersey demand Arnab Goswami's release

In New Jersey, Federation of Indian Association (FIA), a group of Indian American Community demanded the immediate release of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami. Holding placard which says 'NRI for Arnab' and 'Indian Americans for Arnab', they raised their voice backing Arnab Goswami and Republic Media Network.

They condemned the action of the Chief Minister and the government of Maharashtra for taking such a "dictatorial action" against Arnab Goswami for personal vendetta. They have also written to the State Department to consider the rejection of visas of Maharashtra Chief Minister and anybody associated with the party "until they correct this action."

Meanwhile in India, Army veteran Maj Gen GD proclaimed that he will be visiting President Ram Nath Kovind - along with some former soldiers and citizens - to discuss the appalling situation since Arnab's arrest. 

160 citizens including journalists, educators, armed forces veterans, govt officers, civil servants, philanthropists, authors, private professionals, entrepreneurs, doctors, public figures have penned a letter demanding the release of Arnab, terming his arrest an 'assault on India's democratic soul and destiny'. 

READ | BJP MLA Ram Kadam to go to Taloja jail to meet Arnab Goswami, says 'No one can stop me'

Indians hit the streets for Arnab Goswami

Citizens across India, including several socio-political groups, have taken to the streets in Guwahati, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, supporting Arnab, raising slogans against the Maharashtra government.

Citizens in Hyderabad took out a peaceful candle march on Sunday morning, demanding Arnab's immediate release.  Sitting with candles in hand, the citizens were seen holding posters with slogans such as 'Release Arnab Now' and 'Save Arnab, Save democracy.' The protests saw people from across age groups.

'Arnab has always spoken in favour of the nation'

Coming out in support of Arnab Goswami over his illegal arrest by the Maharashtra Police, the members of the Poonch Press Club stood in solidarity. While protesting in a peaceful manner, a member of the club said, "We are doing this to protest against the Maharashtra Government which is suppressing the voice of the media. Arnab has always spoken in favour of the nation and the truth and still, he was picked up from his home in a horrific manner."

READ | Arnab Goswami Arrested LIVE Updates: Governor speaks to Maha Home Minister; Read release

Citizens & journalists Condemn Arnab's arrest:

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Monday issued a solidarity statement for freedom of speech and in support of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami. The statement said that the recent assault on Arnab Goswami and his team and above all, freedom of the press is "reprehensible, unwarranted and worrisome."

READ | Emotions run high on global digital protest for Arnab; NRIs from 12 countries; many tears

Arnab Goswami in Taloja Jail

Arnab Goswami was on Sunday suddenly shifted to Taloja jail after four nights in judicial custody. "My life is under threat. I am not allowed to speak to my lawyers. I was pushed and assaulted this morning. They woke me up at 6 am. They said I will not let you speak to the lawyers. I want to tell the people of the country that my life is under threat", screamed Arnab Goswami from the van before a policeman blocked him from speaking.

After the Alibag CJM on Wednesday evening had sent Arnab to 14 days judicial custody, the Bombay HC on Saturday, reserved the order in the plea challenging Arnab's arrest following which it was announced that the verdict will be pronounced at 3 pm on Monday. Shifting Arnab Goswami to Taloja jail wasn't intimated to Arnab Goswami's lawyers.

Senior Executive Editor Samyabrata Ray Goswami’s statement

READ | Kirit Somaiya calls on Governor; urges him to ensure no harassment against Arnab in Taloja