Why: This event is being organised in response to a call for actions by One Billion Rising for Soni Sori. We rise to support Soni Sori, an adivasi teacher, mother of 3 young children, a public spirited citizen of free India who was arrested on the 4th Oct 2011 from New Delhi, kept imprisoned under plethora of political charges, several of which she already stands acquitted of. Hers is the story of an empowered woman in India who dared to speak against the interests of Indian state and mining companies, faced emotional, physical, sexual abuse by state agents and is still languishing in jail. Her perpetrators, on the other hand, are awarded Gallantry Award.

Soni Sori has become symbolic of state and systemic violence. Her experience of a) emotional, mental, physical, sexual abuse while in the state custody; b) the shrewd and brutal procedures that were applied to fabricate her and keep her imprisoned; c) the brutality of a patriarchal state and society over a woman who dared to speak truth to the powers; d) the media and public alienation for victims of state violence, are all representative of a deeper malaise in our global society.

Program: Speakers include: Dr. Subir Sinha (SOAS), Ramesh Gopalakrishnan (Amnesty International), Dr. Alpa Shah (Goldsmith), Shahina KK (Journalist from India herself a victim of state violence); Readings from Soni Sori's letters from prison, campaign update and sign on petition.

When: 15th March 2013, 7-9pm
Where: Room B102, Brunei Gallery, Opposite SOAS College Buildings, Russel Square, London

More info on the Campaign:  http://www.facebook.com/OneBillionRisingforsonisori and www.sonisori.wordpress.com
facebook event page:  http://www.facebook.com/events/497553076948013/

This action is un-sponsored by state and corporate agents. Join us with free conscious and strengthen the campaign.