Indian actress-politician Ramya, accused of “sedition” over her comments praising Pakistan after a recent visit, says she will not apologize and feels it is important “not to succumb” to her critics, NDTV reports.
The 33-year-old Kannada film star has been attacked on social media and has also been taken to court by a lawyer who has filed a “sedition case” in Kodagu in southern Karnataka.
Ramya, after visiting Islamabad as part of a SAARC delegation of young lawmakers, had said: “Pakistan is not hell. People there are just like us. They treated us very well.”
The outspoken actress, whose real name is Divya Spandana, had referenced Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar’s comment last week that “going to Pakistan is like going to hell.”
“I will not apologize as I have done nothing wrong. I am entitled to my views and that is what democracy is about,” Ramya said, alleging that sedition laws are misused against “anybody and everybody.”
“I can say sorry, it is the easiest thing for me, but if I do it in this case, the purpose is lost. Right now I really need to stand up for myself...What I said is harmless,” she commented.
The case against her, filed by Katnamane Vittal Gowda, will be heard on Saturday.

Source: Arab News