Vedant Patel emphasizes the United States' commitment to fundamental freedoms and essential human rights

During a regular briefing, US Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel reaffirmed the United States' focus on advocating for fundamental freedoms, religious liberty, and basic human rights in its engagements with other nations. 

A journalist highlighted concerns raised in the UK Parliament by British MPs Barry Gardiner and Priti Patel regarding violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. They pointed out over 2,000 incidents of violence and called for urgent discussions between the UK government and Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the protection of minority communities, uphold law and order, and safeguard religious freedom. When asked if the US plans to address these concerns through diplomatic or policy measures, Vedant Patel emphasized, “We consistently stress to all our partner governments the importance of respecting fundamental freedoms, including religious freedom and basic human rights. Protests should remain peaceful, and governments must uphold the rule of law and respect these rights. This remains a priority in our engagements.”

The journalist also brought up the arrest of Chinmoy Das, spokesperson for Sanatani Jagaran Jote, noting that no lawyers in Bangladesh were willing to represent him after his lawyer was assaulted and hospitalized. Patel responded, “I am not familiar with the specifics of this case. However, we continue to advocate that all detainees must receive appropriate legal representation and be treated with respect for their fundamental freedoms and human rights.”