Truth is my only defence in MeToo movement: Journalist counters MJ Akbar over defamation case

Journalist Priya Ramani, who has levelled sexual harassment charges against Union minister MJ Akbar as part of the MeToo movement, has said that she is ready to “fight allegations of defamation”. Releasing a detailed statement on microblogging site Twitter, she said that “truth and the absolute truth is my only defence”.

Hours after journalist-turned-politician MJ Akbar filed a criminal defamation case against her at Patiala House court in the national capital, Priya Ramani said that she was “deeply disappointed that a union minister should dismiss the detailed allegations of several women as a political conspiracy”.

“By instituting a case of criminal defamation against me, Mr Akbar has made his stand clear rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment,” said the journalist in her statement.

She further said, “Needless to say, I am ready to fight allegations of defamation laid against me, as truth and the absolute truth is my only defence.”

My statement pic.twitter.com/1W7M2lDqPN

— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 15, 2018

Here’s the full statement:

The past two weeks have seen an upheaval, with several women from different professions, including journalists, making serious allegations of sexual harassment at the workplace and instances of sexual misconduct against various editors, writers, film-makers and others.

These testimonies have emerged as a consequence of a slow but increasing empowerment of women over the years and a #MeToo movement unfolding across social media in India and across the world.

In the case of Mr MJ Akbar, at the time these incidents occurred, the complainant women were working for him. Those who have spoken up against Mr Akbar have done so at great risk to their personal and professional lives.

At this moment, it is disingenuous to ask why they have spoken now, as we are well aware of the stigma and shame that sexual crimes inflict upon victims. Rather than cast aspersions on the intent and motives of these women, we must reflect on how to improve the workplace for future generations of men and women.

This is why I wish to register my strong protest against Mr Akbar's most recent statement. which pays no heed to the trauma and fear of survivors or the courage required to speak truth to power.

I am deeply disappointed that a union minister should dismiss the detailed allegations of several women as a political conspiracy. By instituting a case of criminal defamation against me ,Mr Akbar has made his stand clear rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him , he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment.

Needless to say, I am ready to fight allegations of defamation laid against me, as truth and the absolute truth is my only defence.

Priya Ramani