Twitter Reacts: MJ Akbar May Have Singled Priya Ramani Out But She Is Not Alone In The Fight

Facing sexual harassment allegations from over a dozen women, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar filed a criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani on Monday.

Ramani is the first woman journalist who publicly accused MJ Akbar of sexual harassment. Soon after, other women journalists came forward with their stories.These include Ghazala Wahab, Saba Naqvi, Kanika Gahlaut, Shutapa Paul, Suparna Sharma and Majlie de Puy Kamp. All of the accounts reveals a pattern of abuse of power and impunity with which Akbar preyed on young journalists.

On Sunday, Akbar denied all the allegations and said that they were a part of a political conspiracy. While almost a dozen women have accused Akbar, he singled out Ramani and filed a criminal defamation case against her, a move which is being seen as an intimidation tactic to silence other women.

Standing by her words, Ramani also issued a strongly worded statement on Monday. She said, “I am ready to fight allegations of defamation laid against me, as truth and the absolute truth is my only defence.”

Prominent journalists, lawyers and authors, voicing their support of Ramani and other survivors, soon made it clear that Ramani is not alone in this fight.

In solidarity! The moment to stand up to ALL cases of sexual harassment — in any walk of life— is NOW! Let each case be probed on merits, let ALL accused get a fair hearing, let ALL accused be open to scrutiny. Dont pre-judge but no victim shaming either. https://t.co/qs3o1ZxAkv

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) October 15, 2018

In total solidarity with @priyaramani & all women who have bravely chronicled their harassment & abuse at the hands of #MkJakbar. Hope fight goes beyond defense in defamation to actively pursuing other options like prosecution; NCW , Parliament panels. I stand with you #MeToo

— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) October 15, 2018

Hey @priyaramani and all 14 who have spoke up. Let’s crowd fund your defence. I am sure may top lawyers will help you fight pro bono, but we at @MoneylifeIndia know there are lots of expenses involved! So think about it! Happy to support I am sure thousands of others will too! https://t.co/WmSnOfFKQy

— Sucheta Dalal (@suchetadalal) October 15, 2018

I am happy and willing to donate money to @priyaramani for the battle against MJ Akbar. No woman should feel sexually harrassed or intimidated. Those willing to contribute, even small sums, to make their #MeToo voice count, please RT

— Harinder Baweja (@shammybaweja) October 15, 2018

Full support @priyaramani. You are not alone. You have a strong case, the defamation suit provides an opportunity to show women will NOT be intimidated by powerful men but will speak in one voice and move towards a legal landmark. All other victims must join the case

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) October 15, 2018

“Truth is the best defence.” Not so easy to silence women like @vintananda, @priyaramani, and many others who’ve spoken up. https://t.co/fYVQPZTQTV

— Nilanjana Roy (@nilanjanaroy) October 15, 2018

There are few hills I am willing to die on. But Priya Ramani’s integrity is one of those. Unleash hell boss. Unlease hell.

— #RebuildKerala (@sidin) October 15, 2018

Journalists-male and female- need to boycott @mjakbar till such time he doesn’t step down and submits himself to an independent inquiry. Journalists need to stand up for themselves first before they expect the govt to take a stance. #IStandWithPriyaRamani

— Rohini Singh (@rohini_sgh) October 15, 2018

I say bring it on. @PriyaRamani and us women journalists too have the best women legal eagles on our side. @IJaising, Rebecca John, @VrindaGrover, as well as some of the coolest criminal defamation lawyers in the country. They might be 97; we are guts, brainpower & solidarity. https://t.co/h2TbDKNrg5

— Angshukanta (@angshukanta) October 15, 2018