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Stan Swamy’s institutional murder must lead to a nation-wide movement against draconian laws and state repression

Stan Swamy’s institutional murder must lead to a nation-wide movement against draconian laws and state repression

By National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM)

NAPM joins citizens and democratic groups across the globe remembering the life and struggle of Stan Swamy with pain and pride

7th July, 2021: The news of the cold-blooded killing of Fr. Stan Swamy by all the institutions that held him arbitrarily in custody for over 9 months has shaken not just the ‘conscience’ of India, but of the entire world. This incident shall remain a permanent blot on India’s claim of being a ‘democracy’, which oversaw the custodial torture and consequent ‘death’ of an 84-year-old human rights defender, living with Parkinsons, for a crime he never committed. As the world mourns this spartan saint, whose only mission was to fight for justice for the oppressed, we are left with many unanswered questions about the state of our nation and the future path of struggle. …

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10 BK undertrials hold hunger strike

10 BK undertrials hold hunger strike

10 Bhima Koregaon case accused demand judicial inquiry into Stan Swamy’s death, hold hunger strike

07/07/2021

Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff

They blamed the National Investigation Agency and Taloja Jail’s former superintendent for the death of the tribal rights activist.
Ten accused in the Bhima Koregaon case on Wednesday went on a day-long hunger strike to protest against the “institutional murder” of tribal rights activist Stan Swamy, reported PTI. They also demanded a judicial inquiry into the activist’s death.
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Statement by family members and friends of the BK16: The Institutional Murder of Fr. Stan Swamy

Statement by family members and friends of the BK16: The Institutional Murder of Fr. Stan Swamy

By family members and friends of the BK16

We, the friends and family members of those accused in the Bhima Koregaon Conspiracy case, are deeply pained and shaken to the core by the loss of Father Stan Swamy.  This is not a natural death, but the institutional murder of a gentle soul, committed by an inhuman state.  Having spent his life amongst the Adivasis in Jharkhand, fighting for their right to resources and lands, Father Stan did not deserve to die in this manner, far from his beloved Jharkhand, falsely imprisoned by a vindictive state. …

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Video: Memorial mass for Father Stan Swamy // Online Condolences Meeting: #RIP Stan

Video: Memorial mass for Father Stan Swamy // Online Condolences Meeting: #RIP Stan

Video: Memorial mass for Father Stan Swamy

06/07/2021

By St Peter’s Church

Memorial mass for Father Stan Swamy at St Peter’s Church in Bandra today.

en | 1h57min | 2021
Watch here

St Peter’s Church in Bandra

Video: Online Condolences Meeting #RIP Stan

05/07/2021

en | 2h 38min | 2021
Watch video @ Youtube Indian Social Institute

Stan Swamy – Salutes to an extraordinary rights fighter! / Video: What Stan Swamy said before arrest

Stan Swamy – Salutes to an extraordinary rights fighter! / Video: What Stan Swamy said before arrest

Video: What Stan Swamy said before arrest by NIA


en | 7:50min | 2020
Watch video

Fr. Stan is dead! Salutes to an extraordinary rights fighter!

05/07/2021

By People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)

PUCL is extremely saddened and anguished by the death of Fr. Stan Swamy today, 5th July, 2021 in the Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, where he was undertaking treatment pursuant to an interim order of the Bombay High Court in his bail petition in the Bhima Koregaon case. What is most tragic is that even as the High Court Division Bench had started hearing the bail petition, news trickled in that he had passed away.
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Fr. Stan Swamy was a defender of human rights giving hope to thousands of Dalits and Adivasis

05/07/2021

The Leaflet / by Joseph Xavier SJ and Harshita

Human rights activist Fr. Stan Swamy passed away in hospital waiting endlessly for medical bail. He was in jail since last year in the Bhima Koregaon case. Dr. Joseph Xavier SJ and Harshita write about the colourful journey of Fr. Stan Swamy in empowering thousands of Dalits and Adivasis and raising their concerns about justice and displacement.
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Fr Stan Swamy’s institutional murder

05/07/2021

Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) / by Teesta Setalvad

Poor health conditions in Taloja prison amidst a raging Covid-19 pandemic, lies fabricated by the authorities, valiant efforts by the Jesuit-Human Rights Community and advocates like Mihir Desai and Krithika, form the vicious cycle witnessed closely by some of us in the tragic case of our beloved Father Stan Swamy (and other fellow inmates) over past months.
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Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha: Mahasabha pays its tribute to Stan Swamy, who passed away today. His principles have been a source of inspiration for us and will continue to remain so. Stan lives on in our struggles and memories. His life and work in the thread.

NAPM India (July 5):
NAPM joins every justice loving person across the globe mourning the departure of human rights defender #StanSwamy and vows to continue the struggle for holding the criminal State accountable for this institutional murder. Enough is Enough.
#FreeBK16 #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners

Mary Lawlor UN Special Rapporteur HRDs (July 5):
The news from #India today is devastating. Human Rights Defender & Jesuit priest Fr Stan Swamy has died in custody, nine months after his arrest on false charges of terrorism. Jailing HRDs is inexcusable. He explains his work here +++

Eamon Gilmore, EU Special Representative for HR (July 4):
I share the concern expressed by the UN Special Rapporteur, Mary Lawlor, about the health and continuing detention of Fr Stan Swamy, whose case the EU has been raising with the Indian authorities +++

SJES Rome (July 5): We are deeply saddened to learn about Fr. Stan Swamy passing away. His life was meaningful and his legacy of this commitment for the rights of the indigenous people will remain. RIP +++

Activists, opposition call out ‘custodial murder’ of Stan Swamy

05/07/2021

Hindustan Times / by Deepali Sharma

Rights activist Shabnam Hashmi called Stan Swamy’s death “custodial murder” and said that the government has to be held accountable.
The death of the 84-year-old activist Stan Swamy on Monday amid his fight for bail on the grounds of health issues sparked off intense responses on social media from political leaders, activists, journalists, intellectuals among others.
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Killing Him Softly With His Song: A Requiem for Father Stan Swamy

05/07/2021

The Wire / by Madan B. Lokur

The entire episode leaves behind a feeling that Stan Swamy was virtually thrust a sentence of death without charges being framed against him and without a trial.
Certain events occurred on January 1, 2018 in Bhima-Koregaon which led to the lodging of an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sedition. After investigation, offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act were added. A charge sheet was first filed against some accused persons on November 15, 2018 and a second or supplementary charge sheet was filed against some more accused persons on February 21, 2019.
In the meanwhile, the Maharashtra Police investigating the case searched the residence and office of Stan Swamy in Ranchi on August 28, 2018.
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Urgent need for bail and and specialised medical treatment for critical Stan Swamy

Urgent need for bail and and specialised medical treatment for critical Stan Swamy

An Open Letter To Bombay High Court CJI To Save Stan Swamy

05/07/2021

Outlook India / by PUDR

In light of the worsening health conditions of Father Stan Swamy, who was arrested in connection to the Elgar Parishad case in October last year, the People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) has written an open letter to the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court, seeking immediate intervention in the case.
The complete letter sent by PUDR is published below.
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Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha (July 5):
Stan’s condition exposes how the Bhima-Koregaon case, based on fabricated charges, is being used to target activists. We reiterate – Drop all charges against Stan Swamy and all other BK16, set them free and close the BK conspiracy case +++

Urgent need for bail and specialised medical treatment for critical Stan Swamy

04/07/2021

by Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha

Mahasabha demands from the central & Maharashtra governments that all necessary medical and specialised treatment be urgently ensured for Stan Swamy. We further demand that the High Court immediately grants him bail.

NHRC asks Maharashtra Chief Secretary to ensure every possible medical treatment to the imprisoned FR. Stan Swamy as part of life saving measure and protection of his basic human rights

04/07/2021

By National Human Rights Commission

Press release
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India looking into the complaint alleging serious health condition of imprisoned FR. Stan Swamy( 84yrars), has today issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, calling upon him to ensure that every possible efforts are made in providing him proper medical care and treatment as part of life saving measure and protection of his basic human rights. The Commission has also called for a report in the light of the allegations made in the complaint and the treatment record of FR Swamy, who is very old and lodged in Taloja Jail, Navi Mumbai.
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by Indian Social Institute (July 4):
Stan is on ventilator and his condition is critical. Prayers requested +++

by Mary Lawlor UN Special Rapporteur HRDs (July 4):
Horrible news to learn that Indian HRD Fr. Stan Swamy is in very serious condition & was put on a ventilator last night. He’s spent 9 months in jail on unfounded charges.I’m deeply saddened & expect that every possible specialist treatment will be provided to him +++

by Karwan e Mohabbat (July 4):
News coming in that Fr #StanSwamy’s health has deteriorated in hospital. We urge the government provide him the best medical intervention. After a life of selfless service for those who are oppressed, Stan Swamy has been incarcerated under UAPA despite no evidence against him +++

Ensure Every Possible Medical Treatment To Imprisoned FR. Stan Swamy To ‘Protect’ His Human Rights: NHRC To Maharashtra Chief Secretary

Live Law / by Sparsh Upadhay

In a significant move, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has asked Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary to ensure that every possible medical treatment is provided to the imprisoned FR. Stan Swamy (currently lodged in Taloja Jail, Navi Mumbai) “as part of life-saving measure and protection of his basic human rights.”
NHRC has issued the notice in view of the complaints alleging the serious health condition of imprisoned FR. Stan Swamy (84yrars).
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Activist Stan Swamy put on ventilator support at Mumbai hospital as health deteriorates

04/07/2021

Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff

Swamy is in a critical condition, his friend and colleague Father Joseph Xavier said.
Tribal rights activist Stan Swamy was put on ventilator support at the Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai on Sunday, his friend and colleague Father Joseph Xavier said.
“He [Swamy] was put on ventilator early this [Sunday] morning,” Xavier told Scroll.in. “He remains in a critical condition.”
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Appeal for the immediate release of human rights defenders in jail

Appeal for the immediate release of human rights defenders in jail


Prison diaries. Drawing by Arun Ferreira

theworldiswatchingindia.com / by CIVICUS, World Organisation Against Torture, Front Line Defenders, Human Rights Watch

The undersigned organisations wish to draw the Human Rights Council’s attention to the health and safety of Indian human rights defenders in prison, detained on politically motivated charges, and at grave risk due to Covid-19. The human rights crisis unfolding in India, including the jailing of defenders, has been met with relative silence from the international community. The use of counter-terror legal provisions to incarcerate defenders has taken a serious turn with the impact of Covid-19. As India struggles to cope with a new and deadly wave of the virus, jailed defenders are at serious risk, many of whom have tested positive for Covid-19 or are showing symptoms. The denial of medical bail, basic medical facilities, and communication or access to families even in the midst of the current surge in cases and deaths in India, is an act of cruelty, and a violation of their right to life and dignity.
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Keeping Quiet is Not an Option: Nayantara Sahgal on „Sudha Bharadwaj Speaks – A Life in Law and Activism“

Keeping Quiet is Not an Option: Nayantara Sahgal on „Sudha Bharadwaj Speaks – A Life in Law and Activism“

Feminist Dissent / by Nayantara Sahgal

From a speech given on January 24, 2021

Keeping quiet is not an option. We must speak, write, paint, sing, dance for the freedom to dissent, and for our human rights.

Let me take a moment to explain why I am especially glad and proud to be releasing this book about Sudha Bharadwaj. I grew up to the sights and sounds of revolution. My family fought for freedom under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership and my father died of his 4th imprisonment during British rule. The only mantra I learned was ‘Ishvar Allah tere nam, sabko sammati de Bhagvan’ (one of Gandhi’s favourite devotional hymns about the oneness of god). And the slogan of that long hard struggle for freedom was Inquilab Zindabad (long live the revolution).
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Also read:
● Sudha Bharadwaj Speaks – A Life in Law and Activism (PUCL, Jan 2021)
Access PDF copy of the book here

There is freedom, but no mercy

There is freedom, but no mercy

The Indian Express / by T J S George

People are getting arrested as in the days of Indira Gandhi’s Emergency.
Freedom is a funny thing. When it is there, we don’t notice it. When it is not there, we don’t notice anything else. In a country as populous as India, half the people can take their freedom for granted without knowing that the other half is denied basic freedoms. This half-half reality is the defining feature of Narendra Modiji’s India.
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