On this edition of Protected Speech, Ravi Kapur reports on the allegations made by former State Department official Mike Benz, who says the US spent $30m against Indian Prime Minister Modi during India’s 2019 election season. Kapur follows up on continuing coverage of SB 403 and caste discrimination bills, as well as the recall effort against Senator Aisha Wahab. Special guest Yogi Chuch joins to discuss those recent bills and Indian American involvement in American politics. Jonathan Choe reports on recent Seattle theft rings that use homeless people to steal from local businesses. In the AAPI hate segment presented by the California State Library, both hosts discuss the recent arson suspect who is accused of lighting boba customers on fire and how he is not getting prison time. For more information, list of resources and to report a hate crime: https://stophate.calcivilrights.ca.gov/ --- "Protected Speech" features decorated veteran journalists Ravi Kapur and Jonathan Choe, who spotlight stories of local, national, and global significance each week. Part of the conversation centers around original reporting highlighting Asian hate incidents that continue to be underreported in mainstream media. Join us as we engage thought leaders and influencers from various industries, while illustrating raw realities through exclusive video. Watch "Protected Speech" with Ravi Kapur and Jonathan Choe online, on Diya TV over-the-air Sunday nights at 8pm and wherever you get your podcasts. This program is sponsored in part by the State of California through a grant provided by the California State Library, though they exercise no control over any aspect of the discourse or presentation. The views represented on this show are of the hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the network, affiliated companies or sponsors. Follow Ravi Kapur on Twitter: @RaviSF Follow Jonathan Choe on Twitter: @choeshow Follow Diya TV on Twitter: @DiyaTV