Protest at Gupta prayer service turns violent as two groups clash

PROTESTS and clashes outside a Gauteng venue where the controversial Gupta family held a prayer service have raised questions about religious freedom and the right to worship.

The Katha, held on Sunday at the Saxonwold Military Museum, was marred by violence after the Johannesburg against Injustice (JAI) organisation and the Black First Land First (BLF) movement clashed outside the venue.

The JAI, a group of political, civic and youth activists, said yesterday that it was considering legal action against the BLF and the Guptas. It accused the BLF of attacking its peaceful protest against the Guptas’ religious event.

The group said the event was at odds with the Guptas as prayer “teaches people not to be greedy”.

JAI said 40 of its members had been staging a peaceful demonstration on Sunday when BLF members arrived in two minibus taxis and “physically and verbally attacked our members”. Police were called. Responding to the allegations, the BLF national coordinating committee blamed Save SA, claiming the group was circulating a statement “devoid of any truth” under the name of JAI.

It said the religious rights of the Gupta family were violated and it was concerning that religious organisations had spoken out against this.

Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the Hindu Maha Sabha, said there was a responsibility for Hindus and those in other faith groups to respect the right to worship so long as it did not amount to a breach of morality. He said the constitution guaranteed freedom of speech, culture and religion. – Additional reporting ANA