French film director Valentin Hénault, who was arrested last October for allegedly attending a Dalit march, remains unable to leave India due to a lookout notice (LOC) against him, reports Le Monde.
Hénault arrived in India on August 10, 2023, to work on a documentary highlighting atrocities against Dalit women. His travels took him through Bihar and Jharkhand before he reached Uttar Pradesh. On October 10, 2023, he attended an “Ambedkar’s people’s march” led by peasant women demanding land rights for Dalits. His presence at the march drew attention when a speaker highlighted him, attracting local intelligence agents.
Following some routine questioning by the agents, Hénault was initially allowed to leave the venue but was later taken from his hotel room to the police station. He was accused of “violation of visa conditions” under Article 14b of the Foreign Act, which penalizes those using a forged passport or remaining in the country without legal authority with imprisonment of 2-8 years.
Although Hénault was released on bail, the LOC issued against him has prevented his departure from India for six months. This incident highlights the challenges faced by international observers in sensitive regions and raises questions about the treatment of foreign nationals and the freedom of filmmakers documenting human rights issues.
