Persecution – Page 72 – free them all

Video: Prisoners in a Pandemic – Viral hate and a raging contagion

11/05/2021 Rani

Video: Prisoners in a Pandemic – Viral hate and a raging contagion

11/05/2021

By United Against Hate

hindi + en | 1h40min | 2021

Watch video at United Against Hate fb page here

In the light of Covid-19 outbreak and deteriorating health of civil and human rights defenders in prisons, United Against Hate is organising a conversation addressing the issue, demanding immediate release of political prisoners. The dreadful conditions in overcrowded jails, which lack proper sanitation, hygiene and medical facilities, are conducive to spread of a virus like COVID-19 and have contributed immensely to their deteriorating health condition. Umar Khalid, GN Saibaba, Siddique Kappan, Akhil Gogoi, Jyoti Jagtap, Varvara Rao have already contracted COVID-19 behind bars. Khalid Saifi and Sudha Bhardwaj have also been unwell, as was reported by their families. It must be noted that many of them have comorbidities and have been on medications even before their arrests. It has been long since the arrests of these voices of dissent who fought for democracy, for rights of the people and for freedom from the repressive state. Their only crime is fearlessly speaking the bitter truth to power.

Sign Petition: Covid-19 is a virtual death sentence for political prisoners! Release them now! (CJP, May 2021)

Also read: In India and Around the World, Prisoners’ Rights Violated During Pandemic: Report (The Wire, March 2021)

Petition: Covid-19 is a virtual death sentence for political prisoners! / Covid-19 in Taloja & Byculla jails

06/05/2021 Rani

Petition: Covid-19 is a virtual death sentence for political prisoners! Release them now!

06/05/2021

By Citizens for Justice and Peace

Political prisoners lodged in prisons across the country need to be released temporarily in the wake of the massive surge in COVID-19 cases. It is known that prison conditions are conducive to spread of a virus like COVID-19 and these political prisoners deserve to be released on bail.
Read more/sign petition

Kin Allege Negligence as Prisoner in Taloja Jail Dies of COVID-19

07/05/2021

The Wire / by The Wire Staff

Activist Varavara Rao had also previously complained about the healthcare facilities in Taloja jail in an an affidavit submitted to a court.
A 22-year-old undertrial prisoner lodged in Navi Mumbai’s Taloja jail has died of COVID-19 at a hospital, even as his family members alleged that the negligence of prison authorities led to his death.
The prisoner, identified as Vishal Anand Dasari, died at St George Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday morning, a jail official said.
Read more

Maharashtra’s Prisons Are Feeling the Brunt of a Crisis That Could Have Been Averted

02/05/2021

The Wire / by Sukanya Shantha

Despite several directions from the Supreme Court and high court to decongest its overcrowded prisons in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government has neglected the issue.
Read more

Bombay HC issues notice to NIA on bail plea by Octogenarian Stan Swamy

04/05/2021 Maya

Bombay HC issues notice to NIA on bail plea by Octogenarian Stan Swamy in Elgar Parishad case

04/05/2021

The Leaflet / by Byhamza Lakdawala

The Bombay High Court Tuesday issued notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a plea filed by octogenarian Father Stan Swamy, seeking bail on medical grounds.
A bench of Justices SS Shinde and Manish Pitale also directed the Taloja jail authorities to file a report indicating Stan Swamy’s health status.
The bench listed the matter in the week commencing from May 15.
Read more

Bombay HC Issues Notice To NIA Over Activist Stan Swamy’s Bail Plea

04/05/2021

Outlook / by Outlook Web Bureau

Stan Swamy (84) was arrested in October 2020 in connection with the Elgar-Parishad Maoist links case.
The Bombay High Court Tuesday issued a notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) directing it to file a reply to tribal rights activist Stan Swamy’s medical bail plea.
Swamy (84) was arrested in October 2020 in connection with the Elgar-Parishad Maoist links case. He has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Read more

By Live Law (May 4):
+++ The Bombay High Court will hear 84-yr-old tribal rights activist Father Stan Swamy’s appeal for emergency bail +++
+++ Matter begins.
J Shinde- What is the position of the proceedings before the sessions court?
Sr Adv Mihir Desai – Even the charges have not been framed +++
Desai – He is got advanced Parkinsons and has a hearing problem. With covid spreading in prisons, its become very difficult for him. APP Yagnik for the State says he needs time to file a reply +++
+++ J Shinde says they will keep the medical bail application during the vacation and regular bail application can be heard later +++
+++ Court issues notice on Fr Stan Swamy’s bail plea on merits +++
Court begins dictating the order. Court – Adv Desai submits that limitation in filing the appeal for emergency bail won’t apply in view of the SC’s orders +++
+++ Court – The fact that the appellant is in jail and did not gain an advantage by delaying the appeal. Delay condoned +++
+++ Court – Mr. Yagnik assures the court that Father Stan’s medical reports will be submitted by May 15, 2021. Father Stan Swamy’s lawyers are at liberty to mention his emergency bail application after May 17, 2021 +++
+++ Court allows an amendment for the State to be added as a party in both the bail appeals. hearing ends +++

Father Stan Swamy Moves Bombay High Court For Bail

27/04/2021

Live Law / by Sharmeen Hakim

Father Stan Swamy, tribal rights activist and an accused in the Elgaar Parishad – Bhima Koregaon Case has approached the Bombay High Court challenging rejection of his bail pleas by the Special Court under the National Investigating Agency Act.
The 84-year-old Jesuit priest has filed an appeal against two orders of the NIA court, the first rejecting his emergency bail application on health grounds in October, last year, and the second order from March 21, 2021, rejecting his bail plea on merits.
Read more

Bhima Koregaon accused Stan Swamy files appeal before Bombay HC challenging Special NIA Court order refusing bail

27/04/2021

Bar & Bench / by Neha Joshi

Swamy was arrested from his house in Ranchi on October 8, 2020 for his alleged role in inciting riots at Bhima Koregaon in 2018. He was later remanded to judicial custody and lodged in Taloja jail.
His bail plea on the ground of medical emergency arising due to COVID-19 pandemic was rejected in October by the Special Court dealing with cases investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Read more

Bombay HC Seeks Maha Govt’s Reply on Pleas of Activists Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen

04/05/2021 Maya

Bombay HC seeks NIA, MHA and Maharashtra’s response to Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen’s challenge to their UAPA prosecution

04/05/2021

The Leaflet / by The Leaflet

The Bombay High Court Tuesday asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the state of Maharashtra to file their respective responses to the petitions filed by Rona Wilson and Professor Shoma Sen, accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, challenging the decision of the Maharashtra Government granting sanction to prosecute them under the stringent anti-terrorism Unlawful Activities (Prevention) (UAPA) Act.
Read more

Bombay HC Seeks Maha Govt’s Reply on Pleas of Activists Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen

04/05/2021

News 18 / by pti

A bench of Justices S S Shinde and Manish Pitale also directed the NIA, which is conducting a probe into the case, to file its reply to Sen’s petition.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Maharashtra government to file its replies to petitions filed by activists Rona Wilson and Shoma Sen, seeking quashing of charges against them in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case. A bench of Justices S S Shinde and Manish Pitale also directed the NIA, which is conducting a probe into the case, to file its reply to Sen’s petition.
Read more

Prof Shoma Sen claims evidence forged, planted on digital devices; moves Bombay HC challenging UAPA charges

15/04/2021

Bar & Bench / by Neha Joshi

Sen was arrested for her involvement in connection to the violence in Bhima Koregaon case and has been in judicial detention since then without bail.
Bhima Koregaon accused Shoma Sen has filed a petition before the Bombay High Court challenging the charges slapped against her by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Sen, in her plea, contended that the prosecution’s case against her is built on evidence which was planted on digital devices belonging to a co-accused Rona Wilson.
Read more

Prof Shoma Sen challenges prosecution under UAPA; says evidence against her is unfounded, forged and planted on co-accused’s digital devices

14/04/2021

The Leaflet / by The Leaflet

An accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, Professor Shoma Sen, has petitioned the Bombay High Court challenging her prosecution under the stringent anti-terrorism Unlawful Activities (Prevention) (UAPA) Act.
Sen, a former Head of Department of English at Nagpur University, alleged that that the case against her had been built entirely on unfounded, forged, hearsay evidence that was planted on digital devices belonging to a co-accused-Rhona Willson, which (devices) were “illegally” seized by the police in complete violation of all safeguards and procedures mandated under applicable law.
Read more

Also read: Bhima Koregaon Accused Rona Wilson Moves Bombay High Court Seeking SIT Probe Into The Report That ‘Incriminating Materials Were Planted On His Laptop’ (Live Law, Feb 2021)

Release Sudha Bharadwaj! / Health of Trade Unionist Sudha Bharadwaj deteriorates in Jail

02/05/2021 Rani

Update by Bar & Bench (May 13):
#BombayHighCourt directs State to file medical report of #elgarparishadcase accused Sudha Bharadwaj in her application for interim bail on medical grounds +++

The medical report will be filed by the State on May 17, the application will be heard on May 21. Bench of Justices KK Tated and Abhay Ahuja heard the plea today +++

Update by ayesha arvind (May 13)
Daughter of #SudhaBharadwaj has approached #BombayHC seeking interim medical bail for the activist. HC calls for her medical report on May 17. Bharadwaj will be taken to JJ hospital today. #NIA says there’s no urgency in the matter. Next date of hearing- May 21 +++

Her counsel says #SudhaBharadwaj is in a ward with 50 other women, incarcerated in extremely unsanitary conditions. No possibility of social distancing. Says state must file reply soon. HC- state working on only 15% strength. Will have to give them at least 4 weeks to file reply +++

Video: Release Sudha Bharadwaj!

01/05/2021

hindi | 3:07min | 2021

By ground xero

Kaladas, a cultural activist and a long term associate of Sudha Bharadwaj discusses her current medical condition and the political reasons for her arrest. He appeals to all comrades to support her immediate bail and medical treatment.
Demand immediate of Sudha Bharadwaj. Demand immediate release of all political prisoners.
Watch video

Click to enlarge

Bhilai (Chhattisgarh, May 1, 2021)

Health of Trade Unionist Sudha Bharadwaj deteriorates in Jail

02/05/2021

tnlabour.in / by tnlabour.in

Workers demand her immediate release and proper medical treatment
Trade Union leader and Advocate Sudha Bharadwaj’s health condition has deteriorated in Byculla Jail in Maharashtra. She has been complaining of body aches and diarrhoea in the past week. Her union members and family sent messages today saying she is having difficulty breathing. Even though these are typical symptoms of COVID and the jail has over 40 COVID positive patients, she is not being treated as per covid protocol. The Jail authorities claim that her RT-PCR for covid is negative.
Read more

Health of Trade Unionist Sudha Bharadwaj Deteriorates in Jail: Workers Demand Release

01/05/2021

Ground Xero / by Ground Xero

Workers demand her immediate release and proper medical treatment
Trade Union leader and Advocate Sudha Bharadwaj’s health condition has deteriorated in Byculla Jail in Maharashtra. She has been complaining of body aches and diarrhoea in the past week. Her union members and family sent messages today saying she is having difficulty breathing. Even though these are typical symptoms of COVID and the jail has over 40 COVID positive patients, she is not being treated as per covid protocol. The Jail authorities claim that her RT-PCR for COVID is negative.
Read more

Maharashtra’s Prisons Are Feeling the Brunt of a Crisis That Could Have Been Averted

02/05/2021 Rani

Maharashtra’s Prisons Are Feeling the Brunt of a Crisis That Could Have Been Averted

02/05/2021

The Wire / by Sukanya Shantha

Despite several directions from the Supreme Court and high court to decongest its overcrowded prisons in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government has neglected the issue.
… The total prison capacity of Maharashtra’s jails is 24,032. As of March 31 this year, 35,124 prisoners were languishing across different Central and district prisons. In April, the number must have further increased. This alarmingly high number – 11,000 more than the actual capacity or 146% occupancy – continues even after the state was directed to work towards decongesting prisons over a year ago.
… Cultural and anti-caste activist Jyoti Jagtap, who was arrested last year for her alleged role in the Elgar Parishad case, is among those who have been infected and has been kept at a temporary centre. Her lawyers have been struggling to establish contact with her to know her medical condition. The temporary set-ups lack basic telephone facilities and many prisoners’ families have complained of their inability to check on the health and well-being of those incarcerated. Meanwhile, advocate and academic Sudha Bharadwaj, arrested in the same case and Jagtap, has started showing symptoms.
Read more

‘Jail chief has no authority to comment on health of inmate´

02/05/2021

The Hindu / by Special Correspondent

Civil rights activists respond to reports of Byculla jail superintendent’s statement on Sudha Bharadwaj.
Several civil rights activists on Saturday said “the jail superintendent is no authority to give an opinion on the clinical condition of a jailed person” while responding to news reports on the Byculla jail superintendent’s comments on the health of Sudha Bharadwaj, one of the accused in the Elgaar Parishad case.
Read more

Sudha Bharadwaj’s health deteriorating, say kin, friends / Release Sudha Bharadwaj!

01/05/2021 Rani

May1, 2021 in Bhilai

Sudha Bharadwaj’s health deteriorating, say kin, friends

01/05/2021

The Indian Express / by Express News Service

Family members and friends of lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj, lodged in jail in connection with the Elgaar Parishad case, said on Friday that the activist’s health is deteriorating.
Bharadwaj is lodged in Byculla women’s jail in Mumbai, which has seen over 40 new Covid-19 cases this month. Jail officials said that Bharadwaj had last week tested negative for Covid-19.
Read more

Release Sudha Bharadwaj!

01/05/2021

Click to enlarge

Bhilai (Chhattisgarh, Mai 1, 2021)

Sudha Bharadwaj, currently in Byculla jail, has been showing covid like symptoms

By Chhotubhai Vasava:
Sudha bharadwaj is ill in byculla jail fatigue, lack of appetite, loose motions and now she has also lost her sense taste and smell. She has applied for medical checkup. none done. She needs to be treated immediately +++

By N S:
Sudha Bhardwaj ill in byculla jail. Not getting treatment. Please please my lords in the Supreme Court take suo Moto cognisance and release all the bk 16 on bail +++

By Kavita Krishnan:
This is so awful. In Modi’s India we worry about our friends dying of Covid-19 – but also have to worry about friends imprisoned indefinitely on false pretexts, getting Covid-19 in prison, remaining undiagnosed and untreated.
Free Sudha Bharadwaj and ensure the best treatment +++

By The Polis Project:
Sudha Bharadwaj, one of the BK 16, is displaying COVID symptoms. She is not being provided medical treatment despite request +++

By ABA Justice Defenders Program:
Alarming reports that human rights lawyer @Sudhabharadwaj has been denied access to medical attention amid a severe #COVID19 crisis. We urge authorities to immediately allow access to adequate medical care and grant pre-trial bail to all #BhimaKoregaon defenders +++

#ReleaseSudhaBharadwaj
#DeCongestPrisons
#bhimakoregaon16

Also read: RELEASE SUDHA BHARADWAJ AND OTHERS FRAMED IN BHIMA KOREGAON CASE
CALL FOR INDEPENDENT TIME-BOUND PROBE INTO HACKING CLAIMS (April 24, 2021)

NIA Denies Hacking Rona Wilson’s Laptop / Objects to entertaining petition based on Arsenal Report

01/05/2021 Rani

NIA Denies Hacking Rona Wilson’s Laptop In Bhima Koregaon Case; Says Arsenal Consulting Has No Locus To Give Opinion Of Sub-Judice Matter

01/05/2021

Live Law / by Sharmeen Hakim

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has denied the report by digital forensics firm Arsenal Consulting, which concluded that incriminating material, including a conspiracy to kill the Prime Minister and overthrow the government, was planted on Elgaar Parishad – Bhima Koregaon accused, researcher Rona Wilson’s laptop.
The NIA made these claims in an affidavit to oppose interim relief to Wilson, stating his petition before the Bombay High Court was not maintainable.
Read more

Rona Wilson can´t rely on Forensic Report by US firm to seek quashing of Case: NIA to Bombay High Court

01/05/2020

Bar & Bench / by Neha Joshi

The petitioner can rely upon the same only during the trial when evidence is led and not in a plea seeking quashing, the NIA submitted.
The forensic report by US firm, Arsenal Consulting cited by Bhima Koregaon accused Rona Wilson to claim innocence, is not part of the chargesheet and cannot, therefore, be relied upon by the accused to seek quashing of chargesheet, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has told the Bombay High Court.
Read more

NIA objects to entertaining petition based on Arsenal Consulting Report

30/04/2021

The Leaflet / by Nihalsing B Rathod

THE Bhima Koregaon case came into the spotlight again when The Washington Post made a sensational revelation that the electronic evidence being used against the activists in the Bhima Koregaon case was planted. It relied on the report prepared by a digital forensics firm, M/s Arsenal Consulting, which was approached by the defence lawyer of one of the accused, Rona Wilson, for examining an electronic copy of his seized laptop.
Wilson, who has been an under-trial in the Bhima Koregaon case since June 6th, 2018, recently approached the Bombay High Court, invoking Article 226 of the Constitution of India, and Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, seeking the quashing of sanctions to prosecute him and others under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Read more

Also read: Why Sudhir Dhawale’s acquittal in a 2014 case of Naxal involvement is relevant to the Bhima Koregaon arrests (The Caravan, June 2018)

Video: Father Stan Swamy’s 84th birthday celebrations online

26/04/2021 Rani

en + hindi | 1h34min | 2021

By PUCL & friends and co-travellers of Father Stan Swamy

The PUCL along with the friends and co-travellers of Father Stan Swamy,
invite you to join online Father Stan’s 84th birthday celebrations.

Watch video @ PUCL fb page here

Through his own writings from the prison, and know why the State fears him and why the Bhima Koregaon case is cooked up, along with messages of solidarity for his release and that of other Prisoners of Conscience.
Father Stan stands as a symbol of struggle and resistance against the repression of Tribals and has been falsely implicated and arrested since October 2020 in the Bhima Koregaon “conspiracy” case. A Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist, he has worked in Jharkhand for over three decades on issues of land, forest and labour rights in order to create a world where there is love, peace and justice.
#ReleaseFatherStanNOW #ReleaseAllBK16Prisoners

Also watch: Repeal UAPA – Persecution by Prosecution (PUCL, Jan 2021)

In letters, Stan Swamy speaks about co-inmates, life behind bars

27/04/2021

The Indian Express / by Sadaf Modak

Swamy, who turned 84 on Monday, was arrested on October 8, last year, from Ranchi by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his alleged role in the Elgaar Parishad case.
From his daily routine to the experiences of his co-inmates in jail, Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist Father Stan Swamy’s communication through letters and phones calls with his colleagues and friends gives a glimpse into the 200 days spent in jail by the country’s oldest prisoner arrested in a terror case.
Read more

Release Sudha Bharadwaj And Others Framed in Bhima Koregaon Case, Demand Friends & Family

24/04/2021 Rani

By Sudha Bharadwaj’s Family & Friends

RELEASE SUDHA BHARADWAJ AND OTHERS FRAMED IN BHIMA KOREGAON CASE
CALL FOR INDEPENDENT TIME-BOUND PROBE INTO HACKING CLAIMS

Press Note
US cyber forensics firm, Arsenal Consulting has released a second report reaffirming the planting of ‘incriminating documents’ into Rona Wilson’s (a co-accused in the case) computer through use of an external malware. Crucially, one of the incriminating documents relied upon by the prosecution against Sudha Bharadwaj was found on Rona Wilson’s computer. In its report Arsenal Consulting has claimed that this document was remotely planted.

This report only substantiates what Family and Friends of Sudha Bharadwaj have consistently and independently maintained since the first raid in her house on 28th August 2018 that she is innocent and has been incarcerated for nearly three years on the basis of fabricated evidence. …

Video: Prisoners in a Pandemic – Viral hate and a raging contagion

Petition: Covid-19 is a virtual death sentence for political prisoners! Release them now!

Kin Allege Negligence as Prisoner in Taloja Jail Dies of COVID-19

Maharashtra’s Prisons Are Feeling the Brunt of a Crisis That Could Have Been Averted

Bombay HC issues notice to NIA on bail plea by Octogenarian Stan Swamy in Elgar Parishad case

Bombay HC Issues Notice To NIA Over Activist Stan Swamy’s Bail Plea

Father Stan Swamy Moves Bombay High Court For Bail

Bhima Koregaon accused Stan Swamy files appeal before Bombay HC challenging Special NIA Court order refusing bail

Bombay HC seeks NIA, MHA and Maharashtra’s response to Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen’s challenge to their UAPA prosecution

Bombay HC Seeks Maha Govt’s Reply on Pleas of Activists Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen

Prof Shoma Sen claims evidence forged, planted on digital devices; moves Bombay HC challenging UAPA charges

Prof Shoma Sen challenges prosecution under UAPA; says evidence against her is unfounded, forged and planted on co-accused’s digital devices

Update by Bar & Bench (May 13): #BombayHighCourt directs State to file medical report of #elgarparishadcase accused Sudha Bharadwaj in her application for interim bail on medical grounds +++

The medical report will be filed by the State on May 17, the application will be heard on May 21. Bench of Justices KK Tated and Abhay Ahuja heard the plea today +++

Her counsel says #SudhaBharadwaj is in a ward with 50 other women, incarcerated in extremely unsanitary conditions. No possibility of social distancing. Says state must file reply soon. HC- state working on only 15% strength. Will have to give them at least 4 weeks to file reply +++

Video: Release Sudha Bharadwaj!

Click to enlarge

Bhilai (Chhattisgarh, May 1, 2021)

Health of Trade Unionist Sudha Bharadwaj deteriorates in Jail

Health of Trade Unionist Sudha Bharadwaj Deteriorates in Jail: Workers Demand Release

Maharashtra’s Prisons Are Feeling the Brunt of a Crisis That Could Have Been Averted

‘Jail chief has no authority to comment on health of inmate´

May1, 2021 in Bhilai

Sudha Bharadwaj’s health deteriorating, say kin, friends

Release Sudha Bharadwaj!

Click to enlarge

Bhilai (Chhattisgarh, Mai 1, 2021)

Sudha Bharadwaj, currently in Byculla jail, has been showing covid like symptoms

NIA Denies Hacking Rona Wilson’s Laptop In Bhima Koregaon Case; Says Arsenal Consulting Has No Locus To Give Opinion Of Sub-Judice Matter

Rona Wilson can´t rely on Forensic Report by US firm to seek quashing of Case: NIA to Bombay High Court

NIA objects to entertaining petition based on Arsenal Consulting Report

Also watch: Repeal UAPA – Persecution by Prosecution (PUCL, Jan 2021)

In letters, Stan Swamy speaks about co-inmates, life behind bars

Update by Bar & Bench (May 13):
#BombayHighCourt directs State to file medical report of #elgarparishadcase accused Sudha Bharadwaj in her application for interim bail on medical grounds +++