UN and EU whine over Father Stan Swamy’s death

UNHRC said : Imprisoning human rights activists on false charges is unacceptable

London/UN – Stan Swamy, an 84-year-old urban Naxal who was arrested in connection to the alleged conspiracy to assassinate PM Modi, died in a Mumbai hospital on 5^th July. He was arrested last year under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon Elgar Parishad case. He was accused of having links with the Maoists.

The EU and the UN have mourned his death. UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor described the news ‘devastating’, noting that he died nine months after his arrest, Lawlor said jailing human rights defenders was ‘inexcusable’. Earlier, she had expressed concern over Swamy’s health and demanded special treatment for him.

European Union Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore too expressed concerns. ‘I am very saddened to hear that Father Stan Swamy has passed away. A defender of indigenous peoples’ rights, he was held in detention for the past nine months’.

Action against Stan Swamy based on law : Indian Government’s response

Asserting that India remains committed to the promotion and protection of human rights of all its citizens, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the country’s democratic polity is complemented by an independent judiciary and a range of National and State-level Human Rights Commissions. Noting that Father Stan Swamy was arrested and detained by the National Investigation Agency following due process under law, the MEA said, “Authorities in India act against violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights. All such actions are strictly in accordance with the law. Swamy’s health and medical treatment were being closely monitored by the Courts”.