Australian documentary filmmaker David Bradbury, known for his award-winning works, faced an unexpected ordeal at Chennai Airport on September 10, 2024. Bradbury, accompanied by his children Nakeita and Omar, was detained for over 24 hours before being deported to Thailand. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of foreign visitors and the possible connection to Bradbury's 2012 documentary on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant protests.
Bradbury's Detention and Deportation
Arrival in Chennai
David Bradbury arrived in Chennai with his children, planning a two-week trip to India to cope with the recent loss of his wife, Treena Lenthall. The family intended to visit Varanasi to observe Hindu funeral practices. However, Bradbury was stopped at immigration and detained in a small, unsanitary room without basic facilities or access to his medication.
Conditions of Detention
Bradbury described his detention conditions as "pretty disgusting," with papers and rubbish scattered under a bed with a filthy mattress. He was denied access to a toilet, forcing him to use a paper cup. Despite his health condition, his request to contact the Australian embassy was turned down.
Alleged Reasons for Deportation
Bradbury believes his detention and subsequent deportation were connected to his 2012 documentary on the Kudankulam Nuclear Plant protests. During that visit, Bradbury documented the lives and struggles of villagers in Idinthakarai, who opposed the plant due to fears of a nuclear disaster. His work highlighted the potential dangers, drawing parallels with the Fukushima disaster in Japan.
Background on Kudankulam Protests
The 2012 Documentary
In October 2012, Bradbury visited Idinthakarai, a coastal village in Tamil Nadu, with his family. He documented the protests against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, which had sparked widespread concern among the local fishing community. Villagers feared long-term impacts of radiation leaks similar to the Fukushima incident.
Impact of the Protests
The protests had a significant impact, with police shooting a protester and arresting 66 people, mostly women, on charges of sedition. Bradbury's documentary captured these events, emphasizing the villagers' fears and the potential dangers of the plant.
Response and Reactions
Bradbury's Statement
Bradbury expressed his disappointment over the incident, stating that his detention was unjust and linked to his earlier work. Despite the ordeal, he insisted that his children continue their planned trip in India, highlighting the importance of experiencing the country's cultural heritage.
Family's Perspective
Nakeita Bradbury, David's daughter, described the situation as "very sad and unfair." She questioned the Indian authorities' decision to issue a visa only to detain and deport her father without any valid reason.
Conclusion
David Bradbury's detention and deportation from Chennai Airport have sparked a debate about the treatment of foreign nationals in India and the potential repercussions of past work. While his children continue their journey, the incident raises important questions about freedom of expression and the impact of documentary filmmaking on international relations.