DEMANDING the IMMEDIATE & UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE of Fr STAN SWAMY SJ

DEMANDING the IMMEDIATE & UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE of Fr STAN SWAMY SJ

DEMANDING the IMMEDIATE & UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE of Fr STAN SWAMY SJ, who was arrested on 8 October 2020 from his residence in Ranchi, Jharkhand-he is eighty-three years old and all his life he has passionately espoused the rights and cause of the Adivasis (the indigenous peoples) and other marginalized sections of society

Also Read : Natl Day of Solidarity on 12 Oct! Let’s Stand with Fr Stan Swamy Sj, who Fought for Tribal Rights 

Ahmedabad: On 8 October, from his residence in Ranchi noted human rights defender, Jesuit Priest Fr Stan Swamy was taken into custody by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to an undisclosed destination. On the morning of 9 October Father Stan was taken by the 9.30am flight from Ranchi to Mumbai. He was directly taken straight to the Sessions court where the charge sheet was filed. He was then incarcerated in the Taloja Jail near Mumbai. Together with him others who were arrested in the Bhima- Koregaon case were also charge-sheeted. These include Gautam Navlakha, Anand Teltumbde, Hany Babu, Kabir Kala Manch, Sagar Ghoghare, Ramesh Gaichor, Jyoti Jagtap and others arrested till last week.

Last evening when Fr. Stan was taken into custody, his colleagues and others present, say that the behaviour of the NIA officials was absolutely arrogant and rude, besides they did not even serve a warrant on Fr Stan before taking him in. Fr Stan is eighty-three years old and all his life he has passionately espoused the rights and cause of the Adivasis (the indigenous peoples) and other marginalized sections of society. He has stood up for them and accompanied them in their search for a more dignified life. Any body who knows him, will vouch that he is a peace-loving citizen who works always within the framework of the Indian Constitution

Fr STAN LOURDUSWAMY Sj aka Fr STAN SWAMY Sj

The inhuman treatment meted out to a frail and sickly citizen of India, by the Government and particularly the NIA, speaks volumes of how this regime brooks no dissent and will not tolerate any voice of dissent that stands for truth and justice particularly on behalf of the subalterns of society.

A couple of days ago in a message to his companions, colleagues and friends, Fr Stan wrote,

“I hope all of us, all those who know me and who are concerned about me will also be ready to face what is to be faced…. what is happening to me is not something unique happening to me alone. It is a border process that is taking place all over the country. we are all aware how prominent intellectuals, lawyers, writers, poets, activists, student leaders, …they are all put in jail just because they have expressed their dissent or raised questions about the ruling powers of India. so, we are part of the process. as such. in a way. I am happy to be part of this process because I am not a silent spectator. I am part of the game and ready to pay the price whatever be it. Thank you for your attention.” Surely Stan is paying the price today!

This illegal and unconstitutional detention has been vociferously condemned by all sections of society. We too condemn it emphatically and demand that the innocent Fr Stan Swamy be released immediately and unconditionally!!!

by : Fr Cedric Prakash SJ Human Rights and Peace Activist based in Ahmedabad.