Aakar Patel joins as new head of Amnesty International India

Journalist and writer Aakar Patel has joined Amnesty International India as its new Executive Director from today.

Patel will head Amnesty International India's operations.
As the organisation's chief political advisor, strategist and spokesperson, he will give direction to its goal of being an independent, effective and deep-rooted organisation in India, the London-based global rights body said in a statement.

"We are delighted that Aakar Patel will be joining us. Amnesty International India is one of the movement's three national offices, set up to increase our impact in countries with growing global influence which continue to face human rights challenges," said Minar Pimple, Senior Director of Global Operations at Amnesty International.

"Aakar's commitment to human rights in his journalism and writing positions him perfectly to take on this important role," said Pimple.

"Amnesty International India has a terrific team that does vital work. I am proud and honoured to be working with them," said Patel.

With a background in the textile industry, Patel's work includes 'India: Low Trust Society' (2015) and 'Rights and Wrongs', a report on the 2002 Gujarat riots which he co-authored.