Indian authorities imposed an $8 million fine on the local branch of Amnesty International after an investigation into its finances, which the organization cited as part of a “witch hunt”. Local human rights groups have long said they are facing harassment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist administration for reporting on human rights abuses, including in the disputed region of Kashmir.

Amnesty’s local bank accounts were frozen in 2020 as part of an investigation, forcing the group to lay off staff and cease campaigning and research work. The Law Enforcement Authority of India, the agency responsible for investigating financial crimes, noted that Amnesty violated foreign funding laws by diverting external donations to expand its domestic operations. She explained that Amnesty India was fined $6.5 million for receiving illegal foreign donations and its former chief executive Akar Patel was fined another $1.3 million.