Feroze Mithiborwala
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Feroze Mithiborwala | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation(s) | Activist columnist political commentator |
| Organization | Awami Bharat |
| Known for | Anti-imperialist and pro-Palestinian activism |
| Movement | Global March to Jerusalem, anti-caste movement |
Feroze Mithiborwala is an Indian political activist, columnist, and commentator associated with anti-imperialist, anti-Zionist, and pro-Palestinian causes. He serves as the president of the organization Awami Bharat. His activism includes involvement in movements such as the Global March to Jerusalem and the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. He has addressed issues including Palestinian self-determination, caste-based discrimination in India, globalization, and religious fundamentalism. Some of his statements, particularly about terrorism and international conspiracies, have been controversial and have attracted accusations of promoting conspiracy theories.
Early life and activism
[edit]Mithiborwala is based in Mumbai, India. He aligns himself with traditions including those of Mahatma Gandhi, B. R. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, leftist ideologies, and liberation theology.[1]
He has taken part in organizing protest movements and international delegations related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mithiborwala has also participated in interfaith dialogues involving Muslim, Christian, Dalit, and left-wing groups in India.[2]
Gaza convoy and international activism
[edit]In 2010, Mithiborwala was part of the Gaza Freedom Convoy under the Viva Palestina initiative led by British MP George Galloway. He traveled overland through Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan to reach the Gaza Strip. The convoy aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and protest the Israeli blockade of Gaza.[3]
He acted as South Asian coordinator for the Global March to Jerusalem (GMJ) in 2012, which was organized as a peaceful protest against Israeli policies in East Jerusalem.[4]
Political views and positions
[edit]Mithiborwala opposes Zionism, US imperialism, and globalization, which he associates with neoliberal capitalism. He supports the Palestinian right to resistance and self-determination. He also identifies as an anti-casteist and secularist, advocating for unity among marginalized communities in India such as Dalits, Muslims, Christians, and leftists.[5]
He has expressed support for political leaders including Hugo Chávez, Fidel Castro, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.[6]
Caste and social justice activism
[edit]Mithiborwala describes himself as an Ambedkarite and Phuleite. He has participated in movements opposing caste-based discrimination and has supported efforts aimed at the elimination of caste in Indian society. He advocates for alliances among Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, and other marginalized groups.[7]
Controversies and conspiracy theories
[edit]Mithiborwala has made statements suggesting that various terrorist attacks, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the 2008 Malegaon blasts, and the 2007 Samjhauta Express bombings, were not Islamist terrorist acts but were allegedly orchestrated by Zionist or "Hindutva-Zionist" groups with possible involvement of intelligence agencies such as the CIA and Mossad.[8][9]
He also participated in a 2010 conference in Iran that questioned the official account of the September 11 attacks, where he reiterated similar claims.[10]
These views have been criticized by mainstream commentators as conspiracy theories lacking credible evidence.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Awami Bharat official blog
- ^ "Awami Bharat: A Secular, Pro-Palestinian People's Movement" – Countercurrents.org
- ^ "Aid convoy arrives in Gaza" – Al Jazeera English
- ^ "Global March To Jerusalem – South Asian Delegation Statement" – Countercurrents.org
- ^ "Speech in Dhaka – Awami Bharat Blog"
- ^ "Chavez Salutes Ahmadinejad" – Awami Bharat Blog
- ^ "The Dalit Muslim Unity Movement" – Countercurrents.org
- ^ "Mumbai Attacks Fuel Indian Conspiracy Theories" – The Guardian
- ^ "Mumbai Terrorist Attacks: Who is Behind Them?" – Al-Jazeerah ccun.org (archived)
- ^ "Iran hosts 9/11 conspiracy conference" – The Guardian, 2010