International Communist Parties Condemn ED Raids Targeting Pinarayi Vijayan

New Delhi: Several communist parties from across the world have expressed solidarity with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and condemned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids targeting senior party leaders, including Politburo member and Kerala Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan, as well as the arrest of CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby and other leaders during protests in New Delhi.

Parties that issued statements include the Communist Party of Britain, Communist Party of Greece, Communist Party of Mexico, Communist Party of Turkey, Communist Party of Pakistan, Mazdoor Kisan Party, and the Communist Party of Sri Lanka.

In a statement, the Communist Party of Britain condemned the politically motivated ED raid at Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence. The party also criticized the actions of the Delhi Police in detaining and removing MA Baby and other CPI(M) leaders and activists who were protesting outside the ED headquarters in New Delhi.

The British party argued that the use of police and state agencies against progressive political forces has become a wider global trend, citing examples from countries including the Czech Republic, Jordan, Kenya, and India. It expressed solidarity with CPI(M) against what it called state repression.

The statement, signed by party General Secretary Alex Gordon and International Secretary Kevin Nelson, noted that Indian communists had historically played a significant role in the struggle against British colonial rule and were now resisting the anti-worker and anti-farmer policies of the central government led by Narendra Modi.

The Communist Party of Greece also condemned what it called attempts by India's right-wing government to target communists and expressed support for CPI(M) leaders and activists resisting such actions.

Similarly, the Communist Party of Turkey criticized the raid on Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence and the arrests of party General Secreary M A Baby and others, describing them as part of an organized effort to suppress communist movements. The party reiterated its unwavering solidarity with CPI(M).

The Communist Party of Pakistan and the Mazdoor Kisan Party also condemned the raids and arrests, alleging that central investigative agencies were being misused to suppress left-wing political forces. They further accused the Modi government of promoting authoritarianism, communal division, and corporate interests, while expressing support for CPI(M) and other organizations engaged in political struggles.

The statements collectively called for democratic rights and political freedoms to be protected and voiced international solidarity with CPI(M) leaders and members.