Goencho Avaaz Party hails the decision of the High Court to quash the FIR registered against tiatrist Alison De Curtorim based on the complaint of Cuncolim MLA Clafasio Dias. The verdict serves as a strong message to politicians, who use strong arm tactics and political intimidation to quell people’s opposition. It also serves as a slap in the face to members of the ruling regime, who exploit their position of power by using the Goa police as their personal security and bouncers against the people.
Sharing his perspective, Captain Viriato Fernandes, State Convenor of Goencho Avaaz Party said: ‘Tiatrists are the voice of Goans. Their skill and creativity in presenting crucial and relevant issues in an entertaining manner make them one of the most effective mediums of grassroot communication and agency for creating public opinion. That is why Goencho Avaaz Party stood firmly and steadfastly behind Alison in the crisis he faced.’’
Capt. Viriato Fernandes also pointed out that arm twisting those who speak out against the establishment has increased manifold under the present dispensation. Just recently, there was the case of Ponda dramatist Rajdeep Naik, who had his car damaged allegedly for uploading a video on social media that criticised the government for its meagre one time settlement scheme (OTS) of Rs.10,000 financial relief for artists.
‘’The judgment is all the more important to protect the freedom of speech and expression of the tiatrist community, who should not be fearing legal action, at the behest of any affronted political leader. Today is a great day not just for Alison but also for the whole of Goa as justice has been served and faith in the judiciary has been restored. We strongly condemn the actions of BJP MLA Clafasio Dias for suppressing democratic dissent. By playing the communal and religious card, the Cuncolim MLA is staying true to the ethos of his political party. For too long, innocent Goans have been at the receiving end of the BJP government’s high-handedness. Enough is enough. I hope that this verdict serves as a precedent to other BJP MLAs that this modus operandi of using the Goa Police to terrorize Goans will not be tolerated any longer.’’
‘’The Goa BJP Government’s reign of terror needs to be curtailed immediately. The Goa Police, who should actually be reporting to their paymasters the Goan tax-payers, shouldn’t be compromising their positions by serving as the lackeys of the government. We understand the compulsions of the police force that they have jobs to keep and families to feed but the part they play in upholding the law is crucial and indispensable. Therefore, Goencho Avaaz Party goes on record to state that if any police personnel are being strong armed by a politico, then we request them to approach us and we will take up the issue and fight their case. After all, justice should prevail at all times.’’ Reiterating Goencho Avaaz Party’s stand, Captain, said: ’’We will always be the custodians of public interest and take up issues affecting the common man.’’
