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Public meeting ‘Thoughts Criminalised’ in Delhi

Public meeting ‘Thoughts Criminalised’ in Delhi

By Campaign Against State Repression

Press Release

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Also read/watch:
Supreme Court’s suspension of Dr. G.N. Saibaba’s acquittal: ‘Technical grounds are also substantive’, says senior advocate, Mihir Desai (The Leaflet / Oct 2022)
Inconsistencies in Bail Orders Mean Individual Liberty Is Now the Outcome of Judicial Lottery (The Wire / Oct 2022)
Pandu Narote’s Death: A Reminder of Stan Swamy’s Demise, GN Saibaba’s Struggles (The Quint / Sep 2022)

● Video: Personal Liberty and the Indian Courts

25/10/2022


en | 1h 42min | 2022
The discussion examines the recent three judgements relating to
► The denial of bail of Jyoti Jagtap by the Bombay High Court in the Bhima Koregaon Conspiracy case.
► The stay on the Bombay High Court judgement of acquittal/discharge of Dr. GN Saibaba and others by the Supreme Court
► The denial of bail by the Delhi High Court of Umar Khalid in the Conspiracy case of the Delhi Riots of 2020.
Watch video (PUCL fb page)

New generation freedom fighters, GN Saibaba, others are victims of ‘state terrorism’

New generation freedom fighters, GN Saibaba, others are victims of ‘state terrorism’

Counterview / by Counterview Desk

A Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) meeting on 28th October at the Gandhi Peace foundation on, ‘Dangerous Brain: Saibaba and Others’, held to scrutinise the Supreme Court judgement suspending Bombay High Court’s acquittal order of Prof GN Saibaba, Hem Mishra, Prashant Rahi, Vijay Tirki and Mahesh Tikri, has demanded that the Apex Court should uphold the Bombay High Court’s order granting acquittal to Saibaba and others…
Citing the case of Jyoti Jagtap, Apoorvanand said that she has been denied bail because she criticized the government through their songs, means that there is no space in this democracy for criticism of the government.
Read more


Also read:
Inconsistencies in Bail Orders Mean Individual Liberty Is Now the Outcome of Judicial Lottery (The Wire / Oct 2022)

Should anyone be jailed for shouting ‘murdabad’?/ Video: Personal Liberty and the Indian Courts

Should anyone be jailed for shouting ‘murdabad’?/ Video: Personal Liberty and the Indian Courts

posters by @/bakeryprasad

Supreme Court’s suspension of Dr. G.N. Saibaba’s acquittal: ‘Technical grounds are also substantive’, says senior advocate, Mihir Desai

26/10/2022

The Leaflet / by Gursimran Kaur Bakshi

Three recent judgments, controversial for their adverse impact on civil liberties, came in for critical review at an online event, organised by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties.
On October 25, the human rights body, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (‘PUCL’) hosted a webinar on the effect of three recent judgments: Jyoti Japtap versus NIA (in which the Bombay High Court denied bail to activist and performer Jyoti Japtap, detained as an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case), State of Maharashtra versus Mahesh Kariman Tirki & Ors. (in which the Supreme Court stayed the acquittal by the Bombay high court of scholar, writer and activist Dr. G.N Saibaba’s conviction in a Maoist links case), and Umar Khalid versus State of NCT of Delhi (in which the Delhi High Court denied bail to activist Umar Khalid, detained as an accused in the Delhi riots case).
Read more


Should anyone be jailed for shouting ‘murdabad,’ says senior advocate Mihir Desai

26/10/2022

Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff

He made the statement during a discussion on three judgements that denied bail to activists Jyoti Jagtap and Umar Khalid.
Should a person be jailed if he shouts murdabad (death to) slogans, asked senior advocate Mihir Desai during an event organised by People’s Union for Civil Liberties on Tuesday, reported Live Law.
He made the statement during a discussion on three judgements that denied bail to activists Jyoti Jagtap and Umar Khalid and stay on the acquittal of former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba.
Read more


Conspiracy Allegation Used To Fill Gaps, Speeches Given A Criminal Colour: Gautam Bhatia On Umar Khalid, Jyoti Jagtap Bail Orders

26/10/2022

Live Law / by Padmakshi Sharma

People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) hosted an online event to discuss three recent judgements pertaining to civil liberties. The judgements included Bombay High Court’s denial of bail to Jyoti Jagtap (Jyoti Jagtap v. National Investigating Agency and Anr.), Supreme Court’s stay on the acquittal of Dr G.N. Saibaba (State of Maharashtra v. Mahesh Kariman Tirki And Ors.) and Delhi High Court’s denial of bail to Umar Khalid (Umar Khalid v. State of NCT of Delhi).
Read more


Video: Personal Liberty and the Indian Courts

25/10/2022


en | 1h 42min | 2022

The discussion examines the recent three judgements relating to
► The denial of bail of Jyoti Jagtap by the Bombay High Court in the Bhima Koregaon Conspiracy case.
► The stay on the Bombay High Court judgement of acquittal/discharge of Dr. GN Saibaba and others by the Supreme Court
► The denial of bail by the Delhi High Court of Umar Khalid in the Conspiracy case of the Delhi Riots of 2020.
Senior Advocate Mihir Desai and Advocate Gautam Bhatia spoke at the meeting and responded to these judgements.
An update on the delay in the release of Siddique Kappan was shared by Advocate Mohammed Danish from Kappan’s legal team
The discussion moderated by PUCL General Secretary, V Suresh, Arvind Narrain, VP Karnataka State PUCL and Kavita Srivastava, National Secretary PUCL
Watch video (PUCL fb page)


by Live Law (Oct 25, 2022)
People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) hosts an online discussion on 3 recent judgements- denial of bail of #JyotiJagtap; Supreme Court’s stay on the acquittal of #DrGNSaibaba and; the denial of bail of #UmarKhalid

The judgments will be discussed by Senior Advocate Mihir Desai (@mihirde19079979) Advocate Tara Naruala (@taranarula1) and Advocate Gautam Bhatia (@gautambhatia88)

Advocate Gautam Bhatia: We often hear that the trial courts and the High courts, when they are dealing with UAPA, have their hand tied owing to the text of the UAPA and the Watali judgement. I believe that there is space for the courts to work around.

Desai: Jyoti’s name was there in FIR from Day 1 as having shouted slogans at Elgar Parishad and being part of a play which dealt with issues such as demonitisation and dalit rights, which is now considered by the court as serious.
Desai: Most important aspect is the question of frontal organization. Jyoti was a part of Kabir Kala Manch, which is a frontal organisation but no-one knew that it was a frontal organisation.
Desai: You can’t throw names that this is a frontal organisation unless you come with a clear government notification. What is the basis of holding Kabir Kala Manch as a frontal organisation? Nothing.
Desai: Just the other day the prime minister called narmada bachao andolan as an urban naxal movement – anything can be called…which is okay for politicians but for courts to hold such organisations as frontal organisation is wrong.
Desai: In Jyoti Jagtap’s case, even prosecution admitted that there were around 150 organisations…even retired HC and SC judges included in Elgar Parishad…how are you picking one or two members like that? There is no link.

Read full thread


Also read:
Inconsistencies in Bail Orders Mean Individual Liberty Is Now the Outcome of Judicial Lottery (The Wire / Oct 2022)
Kabir Kala Manch Incited Hatred By Ridiculing Phrases Acche Din, Demonetization In Plays: Bombay HC [read order] (Live Law / Oct 2022)
Supreme Court Stays Release Of Prof GN Saibaba & Others In UAPA Case, Suspends Bombay HC’s Acquittal Order (Live Law / Oct 15, 2022)
Report: UAPA – CRIMINALISING DISSENT AND STATE TERROR (PUCL / Sep 2022)

Download report

The plight of jailed activists in ‘police state’

The plight of jailed activists in ‘police state’

Delhi. Oct 8, 2022

The Telegraph / by Pheroze L. Vincent

Try hugging your child with one arm
Political leaders on Saturday shared the stage with relatives and friends of activists imprisoned in terror cases, listening to how bail remained a mirage for years and police prevented the accused even from hugging their children in court.
Besides the release of their loved ones, most of the speakers demanded a repeal of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) which made bail difficult to obtain, and alleged that an “undeclared emergency” had turned the country into a “police state”.
Read more


Also read:

Report: UAPA – CRIMINALISING DISSENT AND STATE TERROR (PUCL / Sep 2022)
Download report

Press Release: India Behind Bars – The Cost Of Free Speech

Press Release: India Behind Bars – The Cost Of Free Speech

by AILAJ (Oct 8, 2022):
AILAJ co-organised ‘India Behind Bars’ press conference in the Press Club of India with
@AISA_tweets and @ryaindia. Hundreds of students, teachers, activists and concerned citizens of Delhi joined us.


By AISA (Oct 8, 2022):
Despite heavy rains, students, citizens of Delhi flooded the Press Club of India in solidarity with different political prisoners incarcerated under acts like UAPA, PSA, NIA etc. #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners #IndiaBehindBars


Recording by Millat Times: India Behind Bars: The Cost Of Free Speech (Excerpt)


En/Hindi/Urdu | 30min | 2022
Watch video


click to enlarge posters

by Akash (Oct 6, 2022):
To quote Com. Ravi Rai @ravirai2015: “Those behind bars spoke up for us, it’s time for us to speak up for them.” #DelhiPogrom #bhimakoregaon
Join the Press Conference on 8 October at the Press Club.
#FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners #RepealUAPA


by AILAJ_HQ (Oct 5, 2022)
Join us on 8th Oct at 4 p.m. at the Press Club of India, New Delhi for a press conference on India Behind Bars: The Cost of Free Speech where we demand the scrapping of draconian laws and release of political prisoners.

click to enlarge poster

#ReleaseAllPoliticalPrisoners

click to enlarge posters

Also read:

Report: UAPA – CRIMINALISING DISSENT AND STATE TERROR (PUCL / Sep 2022)
Download report

“Free them all!” A call of solidarity with political prisoners in India, America, and beyond

“Free them all!” A call of solidarity with political prisoners in India, America, and beyond

“Free them all!” A call of solidarity with political prisoners in India, America, and beyond

08/08/2022

SASW / by Padma B and Beena Sarwar

… Whereas ‘fascism’ isn’t a phrase to be taken evenly, it’s tough to keep away from given how political dissent is being crushed in numerous nations. This got here by in shows at a current seminar within the Boston space about political repression and incarceration in India and the USA.
Read more


Video: Political Incarceration and Resistance in India and the United States

31/07/2022

en | 1h26min | 2022

By Boston South Asian Coalition & Jericho Boston

1. Resisting the Political Incarceration in India. Speakers: Kavita Srivastava is the national secretary of the People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL). She is a dedicated human rights worker, working collectively towards restoring democracy, justice and ending inequalities. Prachi Teltumbde is a doctor and researcher based in London. She is also the daughter of Anand Teltumbde, a prominent public intellectual and one of the BK 15.
2. Mumia Abu Jamal’s Monumental Struggle Against Corruption and Empire. Speaker: JD

The demand to release incarcerated political activists in South Asia and the United States is gaining momentum. The incarceration of Bhima Koregaon 15 (BK 15), the institutional murder of Father Stan Swamy, and recent arrest of Teesta Setalwad and Mohammad Zubair has been condemned worldwide. In the US, the struggle continues to release the famous political prisoner Mumia Abu Jamal, well known for his powerful struggle against the Philadelphia political machine and analysis of current events. Boston South Asian Coalition’s (BSAC) and Jericho Boston are holding a joint event on July 30th (Saturday) 11:30am EST to discuss the state of political prisoners in India and the US.
Watch video

Activists press for repeal of UAPA / UAPA Case Data Suggests That Process Is Indeed the Punishment

Activists press for repeal of UAPA / UAPA Case Data Suggests That Process Is Indeed the Punishment

Andhra Pradesh: Activists press for repeal of UAPA

20/07/2022

The Hindu / by Special Correspondent

‘Its provisions being misused to muzzle voices of those who opposed atrocities against people of weaker sections’
Activists under the banner of the UAPA Repeal Agitation Committee staged a demonstration in front of the Prakasam Bhavan here on Tuesday demanding the repeal of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Leading the protest, Organisation for Protection of Democracy(OPDR) State president Ch. Sudhakar contended that the Act, misused to slap cases against activists in the Bhima Koregaon case, was more draconian than the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities(prevention) ACT(TADA), and urged the Supreme Court to give a direction to the Centre for its repeal.
Read more


UAPA Case Data Suggests That Process Is Indeed the Punishment

20/07/2022

The Wire / by The Wire Staff

Data revealed by the Union home ministry in the Rajya Sabha showed that 97.5% of people arrested under UAPA between 2016 and 2020 have been imprisoned for multiple years while waiting for trial.
Figures released by the Union home ministry in the Rajya Sabha have backed up the belief that the ‘process is the punishment‘, especially when cases are registered under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Read more


Also watch:

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

Three Day consultation
► Repeal UAPA – Day One (video: en + … | 2h 17min)
► Repeal UAPA – Day Two (video: en +… | 2h 22min)
► Repeal UAPA – Day Three (video: en + … | 2h 51min)

Remembering Stan Swamy. July 5, 2022

Remembering Stan Swamy. July 5, 2022

Click to enlarge posters

Ranchi

by Justice for Father Stan Swamy, Jharkhand


No Straws, No Bail, No Justice: Remembering Stan Swamy Who Died In Custody

05/07/2022

Live Law / by Areeb Uddin Ahmed

“When each dissenter is put behind bars, a thorn each is removed from the flesh of the ruling class.” – Late Father Stan Swamy.
On July 5, 2021, a year ago, the Bombay High Court was informed that tribal rights activist Father Stan Swamy was no more and he passed away while being in custody in the Bhima Koregaon case. This happened after a month when he was admitted to private hospital in Mumbai, that too after the intervention of the High Court.
He arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) on October 8, 2020, for his¯ alleged links in the Bhima Koregaon- Elgar Parishad caste violence, which he vehemently denied. At the age of 83 and suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Father Stan claimed he had difficulty eating and and drinking in prison.
Read more


India: A year on, demand for justice for Father Stan Swamy’s death in custody

05/07/2022

By Amnesty International, International Secretariat

On 5 July 2021, 84-year-old Jesuit priest and human rights defender Father Stan Swamy died in judicial custody at the Holy Family Hospital, in Mumbai, India. On the first anniversary of his death, we, the 13 undersigned international and national human rights organisations, remember Stan Swamy’s decades-long commitment to realising the rights of Dalit and indigenous peoples in India, especially in Jharkhand State. We recall our demand for an independent and effective investigation into his death in custody and for the immediate and unconditional release of the 15 other prominent human rights defenders charged in the same case.
Read full AI statement


Remembering Indian Jesuit Stan Swamy, who died a prisoner

05/07/2022

UCA News / by Cedric Prakash

He had the courage to question, to act when he did not get the right answers. He paid the price with his life.
The celebrated Greek philosopher Aristotle developed the methodology of asking a question to ultimately arrive at the truth. Jesuit Father Stan Swamy, whose first death anniversary is on 5 July 2022, was no stranger to philosophy or the scientific method.
For years, he coached generations of young women and men, in social analysis. He taught them to ask questions to understand what is happening in society.  Besides, he had the courage to question; and he asked the most difficult and uncomfortable questions.
Read more


Indian Jesuit priest’s native village eternalize his martyrdom

05/07/2022

UCA News / by UCA News reporter

Residents of Virgalur in southern Tamil Nadu declare his death anniversary on July 5 as ‘Father Stan Swamy Day’
Every July 5 will be observed as ‘Father Stan Swamy Day’ in memory of the Indian Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist who died in jail on this day, declared residents of his native village in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Read more


Letter by 12 Members of European Parliament

by Idoia Villanueva, Member of European Parliament
The situation of human rights defenders in India is very worrying. Today is the anniversary of the death in prison of HRD Stan Swamy, for which no one has been held accountable. We call on the President of India to launch an investigation and end the harassment of HRDs.


Video: Persecution of Religious Minorities and their Defenders in India

en | 1h 14min | 2022

By Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) Channel


An event commemorating the death in custody of Father Stan Swamy
Watch video


Elgar Parishad case accused fast on Fr Stan Swamy’s first death anniversary

06/07/2022

The Times of India / by Bella Jaisinghani

… His fellow prisoners in the Elgar case, activist Sudhir Dhawale, lawyers Surendra Gadling and Arun Ferreira, activists Mahesh Raut, Rona Wilson, Vernon Gonsalves, Sagar Gorkhe and Ramesh Gaichor, academicians Hany Babu and Anand Teltumbde and journalist Gautam Navlakha, observed a day’s hunger strike ‘satyagraha’ in Taloja jail against the “injustice” done to Fr Stan and “lack of treatment during his illness”. The jail denied there was such a protest.
The Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS) and St Peter’s Church, Bandra, organised a tribute in the church hall.
Read more


Bangalore

by AISA Karnataka

Civil society activists came together to remember Fr. Stan Swamy on his martyrdom day through a silent protest depicting the deteriorating democratic scenario in the country.
#RepealUAPA #ReleaseAllPoliticalPrisoners #ReleaseBK15

St. Joseph’s College of Law, Bangalore


by All India Lawyers Association For Justice (AILAJ)
In commemoration of the first death anniversary of Father Stan Swamy, AILAJ held a nationwide protest. As members of the legal fraternity, we cannot turn a blind eye or stay silent about the particularly alarming situation in the country.
Pics: Protest in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu

Statement by AILAJ


London

by Jesuits in Britain

Campaigners from @JesuitMissions @JesuitsBritain have marched through London and held a prayer vigil outside the Indian High Commission to remember Father Stan Swamy, who died in Indian custody one year ago after false accusations of terrorism.



Announcements of Events Commemorating Father Stan’s Death in Custody

Announcements of Events Commemorating Father Stan’s Death in Custody


Justice march in Stan’s memory

03/07/2022

The Telegraph / by Animesh Biosee

Memorandum will demand release of all human rights activists arrested in Elgaar Parishad and revocation of the UAPA cases.
Civil rights outfits along with like-minded political outfits will take out a Nyaya March (march for justice) in Ranchi on July 5 to mark the first death anniversary of octogenarian Jesuit priest and human rights defender Stan Swamy.
Read more


Video: Persecution of Religious Minorities and their Defenders in India – Commemorating Father Stan’s Death in Custody

28/06/2022

By Hindus for Human Rights

Join us to mark the 1-year anniversary of Father Stan’s passing and hear from lawmakers from across the world, the UN, & Adivasi activists.
About this event
Join an international coalition of human rights organizations to mark the first anniversary of Father Stan Swamy’s passing. At this virtual event, we will hear from lawmakers from Australia, Canada, the European Parliament, the UK, and the US, as well as top officials from the UN. The event will also feature the voices of Adivasi (Indigenous) leaders, alongside whom Father Stan lived and worked for decades.

Video: Persecution of Religious Minorities and their Defenders in India

By Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) Channel

en | 1h 14min | 2022

Watch video


July 5: London, Anniversary Mass and Vigil for Fr Stan Swamy SJ

29/06/2022

By Jesuit Missions UK

A special Mass and Vigil to mark the first anniversary of the death of Fr Stan Swamy will take place in London on Tuesday, 5 July.
Mass will be celebrated at 13.05 in Farm Street Church, Mayfair, by Fr Dominic Robinson SJ. At 13.35 there will be a Solidarity Walk from Farm Street to the Indian High Commission.
Read more


July 9: Lecture: Democracy & Human Rights Defenders

01/07/2022

NCHRO @NCHROofficial / by ISI Bengaluru

Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru is delighted to invite you to Volken-Stan Swamy Memorial Lecture on “Democracy & Human Rights Defenders”. The lecture will be delivered by Adv.Vrinda Grover and chaired by Adv. Henri Tiphagne.
Register