RTI-Ghana condemns killing of Indian RTI Campaigner

Accra, Oct. 5, GNA - Ghana Right to Information Coalition (RTI-Ghana= ) on Wednesday described as outrageous the murder of 38-year-old Indian Freedom of Information activist Ms Shehla Masood. It joined the international community to condemn the reprehensible act and appealed to the Indian government to institute an impartial and independent investigation to bring the perpetrators to book. In a statement to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, the RTI-Ghana reminded governments of their obligation under the United Nations and national constitutions to protect all citizens irrespective of their affiliations.

It noted that the cold blooded murder of Ms Masood an environmentalist= , wildlife and RTI activist by yet to be identified persons in front of her house was disgusting just as she was about to travel to join anti-governmen= t protest. The RTI Ghana Coalition noted that the family of Ms Masood deserved justice and therefore called on the Indian government to demonstrate its averred stand for the promotion of human rights.

The statements encouraged human rights activists not to be deterred by the murder of Ms Masood but continue with the fight for the promotion of human rights, especially for the passage of Right to Information Bills. Ms Masood was an activist working primarily on wildlife conservation and supported other causes like good governance, RTI Act, Police reforms, environment, women's rights, transparency and sexual minorities rights. Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders have expressed deep shock at the murder of Ms Masood and called for an impartial and independent investigation.