Persecution – Page 57 – free them all

Arsenal Consultancy has no locus standi to give opinion in Shoma Sen’s plea, says NIA

17/12/2021 Rani

The Hindu / by Sonam Saigal

The digital forensic analyst said false evidence was planted against the retired professor to implicate her in the case.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) told the Bombay High Court on Thursday that Arsenal Consultancy, a digital forensic analyst that said false evidence was planted against retired Prof. Shoma Sen who is an accused in the Bhima Koregaon caste violence case, has “no locus standi to give opinion without court’s permission”.
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Also read:
● Rona Wilson’s iPhone Infected With Pegasus Spyware, Says New Forensic Report (The Wire / Dec 2021)

Varavara Rao Medically Stable, Must Surrender: NIA Tells Bombay HC; Medical Report Summoned

17/12/2021 Asha

Varavara Rao Medically Stable, Must Surrender: NIA Tells Bombay High Court; Complete Medical Report Summoned

17/12/2021

Live Law / by Sharmeen Hakim

The National Investigating Agency (NIA) on Friday urged the Bombay High Court to direct Telugu poet accused in Bhima Koregaon case, Varavara Rao (82), to surrender before the prison officials after a private hospital opined he is “cognitively normal.”
However, a division bench of Justices Nitin Jamdar and Sarang Kotwal directed the private hospital to submit Rao’s complete medical examination reports and listed the matter for further consideration, on Monday.
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Varavara Rao health normal, says medical report submitted by NIA to Bombay HC

17/12/2021

Bar & Bench / by Neha Joshi

The National Investigation Agency on Friday submitted to the Bombay High Court a summary report of the medical examination of Bhima Koregaon-accused Varavara Rao, in his plea seeking extension of medical bail granted to him by the High Court on April 2021.
The summary stated that Rao was evaluated by multiple consultants and was suffering from minor symptoms like lack of sleep and exhaustion.
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PUCL: Arsenal Report No. 4 Confirms Pegasus Attack on IPhone of Rona Wilson, Key BK Accused

17/12/2021 Asha

Countercurrents / by People’s Union For Civil Liberties (PUCL)

In a detailed report released today, 17th December, 2021, Arsenal Consulting, the Boston-based forensic investigation firm assisting the defense lawyers in the Bhima Koregaon (BK) case, and Amnesty Tech Security Lab, have confirmed that the iPhone of one of the key accused, Mr. Rona Wilson, was attacked multiple times by the Pegasus spyware. This has been simultaneously reported in the Washington Post and The Wire…
The publication of this report raises three extremely critical and troubling questions:
Read full statement

Also read:
● Leaked Data Shows Surveillance Net in Elgar Parishad Case May Have Crossed a Line (The Wire / July 2021)

Rona Wilson’s iPhone Infected With Pegasus Spyware, Says New Forensic Report

17/12/2021 Asha

Rona Wilson’s iPhone Infected With Pegasus Spyware, Says New Forensic Report

17/12/2021

The Wire / by Sukanya Shantha

Arsenal Consulting was engaged by Wilson’s defence lawyers to study the electronic evidence submitted against him in the Elgar Parishad case.
Rona Wilson, a prisoners’ rights activist and academic based in Delhi, was a victim of both surveillance and incriminating document delivery for close to a year before his arrest on June 6, 2018, according to a new digital forensics report.
Wilson, originally from Kerala and who continued with his social activism work in Delhi, was one of the first persons to be arrested in the Elgar Parishad case.
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Phone of Indian activist jailed on terrorism charges was infected with Pegasus spyware, new analysis finds

17/12/2021

The Washington Post / by Niha Masih

A smartphone belonging to jailed Indian activist Rona Wilson was infiltrated using NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware before his arrest, according to a new forensic analysis by Amnesty International’s Security Lab that reignites questions about the use of malware attacks against dissidents and government critics in India.
The analysis by Amnesty showed that two backups of an iPhone 6s belonging to Wilson, who has been in jail on terrorism charges since June 2018, had digital traces showing infection by the Pegasus surveillance tool, which its developer, the Israeli cybersecurity firm NSO Group, has said has been licensed only to government agencies.
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Pegasus spyware ‘found on phone of jailed critic of Narendra Modi’

17/12/2021

The Guardian / by Stephanie Kirchgaessner and Michael Safi

Analysis of Rona Wilson’s phone found evidence it was infected with NSO Group spyware three months before arrest
The Indian government’s case against Rona Wilson, a jailed Indian activist and critic of Narendra Modi’s administration, is expected to face new scrutiny following allegations that his mobile phone was hacked using Israeli-made spyware just months before his controversial arrest.
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Also read:
● Leaked Data Shows Surveillance Net in Elgar Parishad Case May Have Crossed a Line (The Wire / July 2021)
● They were accused of plotting to overthrow the Modi government. The evidence was planted, a new report says (Washington Post / Feb 2021)
● Prison-rights activist Rona Wilson’s hard disk contained malware that allowed remote access (The Caravan / March 2020)

The charges against Sudha Bharadwaj

10/12/2021 Asha

The Indian Express / by Chandan Haygunde

Allegations are mainly based on documents purportedly retrieved from electronic devices seized in the case.
… Police had charged her with recruiting for the CPI-Maoist, mobilising funds for the outfit and meeting “undercover” operatives. Allegations are mainly based on documents purportedly retrieved from electronic devices seized in the case.
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Also read:
● In Bhima-Koregaon Case, More Damning Signs of Planted Evidence (article14 / April 2021)
● Indian activists jailed on terrorism charges were on list with surveillance targets (Washington Post / July 2021)
● Surendra Gadling’s Computer Was Attacked, Incriminating Documents Planted: Arsenal Consulting (The Wire / July 2021)

Activist Sudha Bharadwaj walks out of jail after over three years / Spontaneous Celebrations

09/12/2021 Asha

Pic: Sudha Bharadwaj, after being released

Chhattisgarh: People Gather after Sudha’s Release

09/12/2021

In Chhattisgarh, spontaneous celebrations as workers wait for “Sudha didi”

09/12/2021

Newslaundry / by Prateek Goyal

As news spread about the Supreme Court rejecting the NIA’s plea against the bail granted to activist Sudha Bharadwaj on Tuesday, a large group of workers, draped in yellow and gray uniforms, began celebrating at Burah Pandal opposite the ACC Limited cement factory in the industrial town of Bhilai. It was not the only spontaneous gathering of workers in Chhattisgarh to acknowledge the relief granted to their beloved Sudha “didi”.
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Lawyer-Activist Sudha Bharadwaj Released After Over 3 Years In Jail

09/12/2021

Live Law / by Sharmeen Hakim

Lawyer and well-known tribal rights activist Sudha Bharadwaj walked out of Byculla women’s prison today after over 1000 days of incarceration in the Bhima Koregaon – Elgar Parishad caste violence Case.
Bharadwaj was arrested on August 28, 2018.
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Activist Sudha Bharadwaj walks out of jail after over three years

09/12/2021

Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff

The NIA court has asked her to not make any statements to the media.
Lawyer-activist Sudha Bharadwaj, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, was released from Mumbai’s Byculla women’s jail on Thursday, NDTV reported. Bharadwaj was arrested in August 2018, and was granted default bail by the Bombay High Court last week.
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#SudhaBharadwaj (Dec 9)

By Prashant Bhushan:
+++ Welcome back Sudha Bharadwaj, the indefatigable crusader for human rights for the downtrodden, after spending over 3 years in jail on trumped up charges. One day,your tormentors will be held to account. Hope others similarly jailed in the Bhima Koregaon case are also released soon +++

By Jignesh Mevani:
+++ Where bail not jail is the rule, Sudha Bharadwaj had to spend three years in jail for her speech that has been alleged to cause voilence. We urge the courts for early release of all those you have been made political scapegoats of the highest order under draconian laws like UAPA +++

By Rana Ayyub:

By NAPM:
+++ NAPM salutes the determination of trade unionist & people’s lawyer #SudhaBharadwaj, as she walks free from jail after 3 yrs of arbitrary incarceration, amidst harsh bail conditions. It is high time all activists jailed in ‘Bhima Koregaon’ case are immediately released.#RepealUAPA +++

…

IAMC, HfHR welcome release of Sudha Bharadwaj

10/12/2021

TwoCircles.net / by IAMC and HfHR

Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), an advocacy group committed to safeguarding India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos, and Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR), an advocate for pluralism, civil and human rights in South Asia and North America, rooted in the values of the Hindu faith, have welcomed the release of renowned Indian human rights defender and lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj on December 9 after being incarcerated for more than three years without trial.
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Sudha Bharadwaj To Be Released After NIA Court Sets Bail Conditions

08/12/2021 Asha

Sudha Bharadwaj To Be Released After NIA Court Sets Bail Conditions

08/12/2021

The Wire / by Sukanya Shantha

The court has directed Bharadwaj from refraining from making any media statements on the ongoing Elgar Parishad trial.
The special National Investigating Agency (NIA) court on Tuesday, December 8, imposed a series of bail conditions on academic and rights activist Sudha Bharadwaj, who spent over three years in Maharashtra prisons. Bharadwaj, one of 16 persons arrested in the Elgar Parishad case, was granted default bail by the Bombay high court last week.
Bharadwaj is likely to be released from Byculla women’s prison tomorrow on completion of bail procedures.
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Activist Sudha Bharadwaj can be released on bail bond of Rs 50,000, rules NIA court

08/12/2021

Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff

The court allowed Bharadwaj to file a application for the verification of her address so that she can be released on Wednesday itself.
A National Investigation Agency court on Wednesday ruled that lawyer-activist Sudha Bharadwaj can be released from jail after furnishing a bail bond of Rs 50,000 and one or more sureties in the Bhima Koregaon case, reported Live Law.
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Special NIA Court Paves Way For Sudha Bharadwaj’s Release, Sets Bail Conditions

08/12/2021

Live Law / by Sharmeen Hakim

She has been allowed provisional cash bail for a period of one month, disallowed from speaking to the media.
A special NIA Court on Wednesday decided the bail conditions to be imposed on Bhima Koregaon- Elgar Parishad accused Sudha Bharadwaj. She was granted default bail by the Bombay High Court, on December 1.
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Sudha Bharadwaj: NIA court sets bail conditons for release; bail bond of ₹50.000, no statements to media

08/12/2021

Bar & Bench / by Neha Joshi

She should also not make any contact with any co-accused or any other persons involved in similar activities, or make any international phone calls.
The special court under National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act on Wednesday framed the bail conditions to be followed by Bhima Koregaon case accused Sudha Bharadwaj for her release on default bail.
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Surendra Gadling Says Jail Authorities Denying Him Medicines

07/12/2021 Asha

The Wire / by Sukanya Shantha

“The non-availability of medicines and hot water is posing a danger to my life,” the lawyer wrote in a letter to the additional director general of prisons.
In the latest instance of inhumane treatment meted out to the accused in the Elgar-Parishad case, lawyer Surendra Gadling has accused the Taloja central jail superintendent of blocking his supply of ayurvedic medicines, which he had been permitted to access by the trial court.
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Video: The Prison Song of Surendra Gadling

hindi | 11min | 2021

In August, when human rights lawyer Surendra Gadling was released on interim bail for a week, he made a quick visit to the Nagpur sessions court to meet his colleagues and friends. 51- year-old Gadling, a well-known criminal lawyer in Nagpur, was once a cultural activist, who sang songs of political resistance. The 11- minutes- long rendition tells you what it means to be incarcerated in Indian prisons. From food, water, to medical care, everything is a struggle, Gadling narrates. The song was recorded by one of Gadling’s colleagues and was made available to The Wire after obtaining his consent.
Watch video

Supreme Court dismisses NIA’s appeal, confirms Sudha Bharadwaj’s release on bail

07/12/2021 Asha

SC dismisses NIA’s appeal, confirms Sudha Bharadwaj’s release on bail

07/12/2021

The Leaflet / by The Leaflet

The Supreme Court on Tuesday paved the way for the release of activist-lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj as it dismissed the appeal filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against the Bombay High Court’s order granting her default bail in the Bhima Koregaon case.
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Sudha Bharadwaj bail: Supreme Court rejects NIA appeal against default bail granted by Bombay High Court

07/12/2021

Bar & Bench / by Debayan Roy

The top court said that extension of time for investigation and detention under provisions of Section 43D(2) of the UAPA and Section 167(2) of CrPC could have only been done by the special court hearing NIA cases.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the appeal filed by National Investigation Agency (NIA) challenging the Bombay High Court order granting default bail to lawyer activist Sudha Bharadwaj in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon case [National Investigation Agency v. Sudha Bharadwaj].
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Supreme Court Dismisses NIA’s Plea Challenging Default Bail To Sudha Bharadwaj In Bhima Koregaon Case

07/12/2021

Live Law / by Srishti Ojha

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the petition filed by National Investigation Agency challenging the default bail grantedto lawyer-activist Sudha Bharadwaj by the Bombay High Court on December 1, after over three years of her arrest in the Bhima Koregaon case.
A Bench comprising Justice UU Lalit, Justice Ravindra Bhat and Justice Bela Trivedi observed that there was no reason to interfere with the Bombay High Court’s order and dismissed the NIA’s Special Leave Petition.
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Supreme Court dismisses NIA plea challenging default bail to Sudha Bharadwaj

07/12/2021

Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff

The court said it had no reason to interfere in the bail granted by the Bombay High Court.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the National Investigation Agency’s plea challenging the default bail granted to lawyer-activist Sudha Bharadwaj by the Bombay High Court in the Bhima Koregaon case, Live Law reported.
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‘The Point Is Not to Surrender’: The Sudha Bharadwaj I Know

07/12/2021 Asha

The Quint / by Smita Gupta

‘They call Sudha a terrorist, an anti-national. I have known her for over 30 years. You can’t find a better friend.’
“Sudha’s got bail!” These were the three words we have been desperate to hear for over three years and for which our brilliant and committed lawyers – Adv Yug Mohit Chaudhry and his team – have left no stone unturned; news her daughter Maaysha (Anu to all of us) has agonised over and lived for the past three years. And yet, I couldn’t believe it until I spoke to the lawyers myself. For all of us, Sudha’s friends and family, it is devastating that on some technicality the other co-accused were denied default bail.
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