Video: Jailed to Die? India’s incarcerated human rights defenders and the Covid emergeny
en | 2h | 2021
Public Appeal Meeting with family members of #BhimaKoregaon 16, and legal and human rights experts.
Video: The Bhima Koregaon Conspiracy Case – Three Years Too Many …
By Family and Friends of BK16
Three years ago, on 6 June 2018, the first arrests of human rights activists in the Bhima Koregaon Conspiracy Case occurred. Today, 16 of the finest citizens of India face trumped up charges in this fabricated case.
Please join the Family Members and friends of BK16 on a webinar and Book Release.
Book Release by Bhanwar Meghvanshi, leading writer and Dalit Intellectual
hindi + en | 4h 30min | 2021
Watch video at PUCL fb
Read the book (Hindi): SALAAKHON MEIN QAID AVAAZEIN (IMPRISONED VOICES).
Video: Is this Man a Terrorist? Father Stan Swamy
en | 10:35 min | 2021
Is 84 year old Father Stan Swamy a TERRORIST? This week’s Straight Bat video blog is up and poses a simple Qs that goes to the heart of a flawed an inhuman criminal justice system.
Watch here
HC allows Hany Babu to continue treatment for post-Covid complications at hospital / Solidarity
Bombay HC allows Hany Babu to continue treatment for post-Covid complications at Breach Candy
03/06/2021
The Leaflet / by Hamza Lakdawala
Bombay High Court on Thursday allowed Hany Babu to continue treatment at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. The court was hearing a plea filed by Hany Babu’s wife, Jenny Roweena, which sought urgent medical Bail for Babu.
The matter was heard by a bench of Justice S. S. Shinde and Justice Abhay Ahuja.
… The court posted the matter on June 15, 2021, for further hearing.
Read more
Bombay High Court directs Breach Candy hospital to not discharge Bhima Koregaon violence accused till June 3
01/06/2021
Law Beat / by Shruti Kakkar
The Bombay High Court today has extended the order as per which directions were issued to not discharge Hany Babu who is being treated for black fungus & CoVID at his own costs under the protection of police officials without seeking Court’s permission till June 3.
“We’ve already passed an order of not discharging Hany Babu till we permit & let that order extend till June 3,” a bench of Justice SS Shinde and Justice Abhay Ahuja said.
Read more
Video: Solidarity for Hany Babu – A Beloved Techer, hounded by the state
20/05/2021
By Karwan e Mohabbat
en | 3:34min | 2021
Watch video
Bombay HC asks hospital not to discharge Bhima Koregaon accused Hany Babu till 1 June
27/05/2021
The Print / by pti
The Bombay High Court Thursday sought a medical report on the DU professor’s condition and treatment given to him. Babu tested positive for Covid earlier this month.
The Bombay High Court on Thursday asked the Breach Candy Hospital here not to discharge Delhi University associate professor Hany Babu, an accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, till June 1 and sought a medical report on his condition and treatment given to him.
Read more
Video: IN PRISON FOR DREAMING OF EQUALITY?
hindi + en | 1h56min | 2021
Speakers: Kavita Srivastava, Nivedita Menon, Kavita Krishnan, Meera Sanghamitra, Sabika Naqvi, Lara Jesani; Moderated by Banojyotsna Lahiri.
The Month of May marks one year of arrest of equal citizenship activists Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita and 1000 days of wrongful incarceration of Human Rights lawyer Sudha Bhardwaj. All three are fearless voices of dissent, dreamers of a equitable and just tomorrow.
Join this session honouring all the brave and unapologetic women who refuse to be silenced despite the continuous intimidation by this fascist regime and resist the institutionalized discrimination against women.
Watch @ PUCL FB page
Bhima Koregaon, COVID-19 and custodial apathy in jails / Audio + Press Release
Video: Press Conference demanding immediate release of BK16 prisoners
15/05/2021
en + hindi l 1h20min l 2021
Listen to audio here
Press Release: Covid-19 a virtual death sentence, new persecution tool against Bhima-Koregaon accused
15/05/2021
sabrang / by sabrangindia
Friends and families of undertrial prisoners narrate the worsening condition in Taloja and Byculla prisons, stressing a single fact – jail authorities must allow unconditional bail for all political prisoners!
Families and friends of the 15-accused in the Bhima Koregaon (hereafter called BK-15) case vehemently demanded the immediate release of undertrial prisoners from crowded jails, while talking about jail conditions during a press conference on May 15, 2021.
Read more
Press Release: Bhima Koregaon, COVID-19 and custodial apathy in jails
15/05/2021
By Mumbai Rises to Save Democracy
Press Release
On May 15th, several family members of the 15 prisoners accused in the Bhima Koregaon-Elgaar Parishad case addressed the press via an online press conference. Some of the arrestees have spent three years behind bars and continue to await trial. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic rages with greater intensity, several among those incarcerated have contracted the virus. Most of the arrestees are over the age of 60 and most suffer severe comorbidities. Despite the rapidly deteriorating health of the incarcerated, particularly most recently in the case of Prof. Hany Babu basic medical attention has been denied to them. Demanding that those imprisoned be released on bail in light of the looming threat of the pandemic, Prof. Babu’s wife Jenny Rowena, Adv. Surendra Gadling’s wife Minal Gadling, Fr. Stan Swamy’s friend Fr. Joseph Xavier, Mahesh Raut’s sister Monali, activist Harshali Potdar of Republican Panthers Jatiya Antachi Chalwal and friend of Sudhir Dhawale, Adv. Sudha Bharadwaj’s friend Smita Gupta addressed the press.
Harshali told us of conditions within Taloja Jail from Sudhir Dhawale who informed her that majority of the staff including cleaners and cooks inside prison have tested positive for COVID-19. The hospital inside Taloja is currently treating 60-65 people for the virus. No testing facilities are available inside jail. Instead, the jail is testing people who are fit in order to show that there are no cases. Eight persons inside Sudhir Dhawale and Vernon Gonsalves’ barrack have tested positive. Yet the prison staff have refused to test them. Sudhir Dhawale despite being over the age of 45 has been denied the vaccine as he does not have an Aadhaar card. Despite the fact that his documents have been confiscated by the police, being denied the right to be vaccinated while in the custody of the state raises the question, “whose responsibility is it now?” The letters being sent by them are reaching the family with a delay of over a month and video calls are not available. Despite the Prison Act 1894 that ensures that prisoners are entitled to basic medical facilities. However, in Taloja, there are no doctors, nurses, lab technicians, etc. but only three ayurvedic practitioners. Right to proper food and water, right to intermingle with other prisoners, communication with family members and lawyers through letters and calls, speedy trials, etc. – all of these rights are being violated.
Petition: Hany Babu needs urgent medical treatment, release him now / Statement by his family
By Sukanya Shantha (May 13):
Update: Prof. @hanybabu was hospitalized last night at JJ hospital. His swab sample was collected once again on admission. JJ Dean Dr. Ranjit Mankeshwar has confirmed that Hany Babu has tested positive for COVID-19 this time. He will be shifted either to St. George or GTB hosp +++
Sign Petition: Hany Babu needs urgent medical treatment, release him now: CJP’s plea to Maharashtra CM
12/05/2021
By Citizens for Justice and Peace
The professor, who is an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, is suffering from acute eye infection that could cost him his vision! But prison authorities appear apathetic to his medical emergency.
Video: CJP Urges Maharashtra To Release Professor Hany Babu
en | 1:30 min | 2021
Watch video
Begging for something as essential as health services is heart wrenching: Hany Babu’s family
11/05/2021
The Caravan / by Jenny Rowena
Jenny Rowena, Babu’s wife, has released a press statement detailing how Hany Babu’s health has deteriorated after he did not receive proper medical assistance in Taloja Jail. Rowena has requested immediate access to medical assistance for Babu and more transparency from jail authorities. The statement is reproduced below.
Read statement
DU Professor Hany Babu Denied Medical Care After Developing Eye Infection
11/05/2021
The Wire / by Sukanya Shantha
Babu, 55, was arrested on July 28 last year by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and has since been in Taloja central prison.
Delhi University associate professor of English, Hany Babu M.T, arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad case has been complaining of an acute eye infection, pain, and gradual loss of vision since May 3. His family and lawyers have accused the prison authorities of denying immediate medical treatment to him.
… This is not the first time that frantic appeals have been made to the Maharashtra state government for urgent medical help. Other arrested activists and academics like Sudha Bharadwaj, Gautam Navlakha, Father Stan Swamy, Shoma Sen, Anand Teltumbde, and Varavara Rao have had to make several representations before the government and courts for basic medical treatments.
Read more
Video: Prisoners in a Pandemic – Viral hate and a raging contagion
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.
Release Sudha Bharadwaj! / Health of Trade Unionist Sudha Bharadwaj deteriorates in Jail
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
Video: Father Stan Swamy’s 84th birthday celebrations online
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)
Three Day consultation on 20th, 21st and 22nd January, 2021
► Repeal UAPA – Day Three (en + … | 2h 51min | Jan 2021)
► Repeal UAPA – Day Two (en +… | 2h 22min | Jan 2021)
► Repeal UAPA – Day One (en + … | 2h 17min | 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