THE WORLD IS WATCHING INDIA
REACTIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO FATHER STAN SWAMY’S DEATH
84-year-old Jesuit priest Father Stan Swamy fought all his life for the rights of indigenous and Dalit communities. Along with 15 other human rights defenders, he was falsely charged under Unlawful Activities Preventions Act (UAPA) in the Bhima Koregaon case, despite strong findings of planted evidence. He was taken into custody in October 2020. During his incarceration his health deteriorated steadily. Father Stan passed away in judicial custody on 5th July 2021.
UNITED KINGDOM
Fury in India over death of 84-year-old political prisoner Stan Swamy Priest and human rights activist was denied bail despite being weakened by Parkinson’s and Covid The Guardian The adivasis are facing massive land grabs, and displacement by the corporates because they happen to live on land which is rich in minerals and metals. This was Father Stan’s main thrust.
South Asia Solidarity Group
“This House notes with sadness and regret the recent passing of Jesuit Priest Father Stan Swamy…further notes that the anti-terrorism charges on which Father Swamy was arrested created significant international concern.”
Early Day Motion in UK Parliament
SCOTLAND
Jailed priest who campaigned for tribal rights dies in Indian hospital The NationalUNITED STATES
India’s cruelty to its critics shows the deterioration of the world’s largest democracy The Washington PostA Jailed Priest’s Death in India Stirs Outrage
The New York Times
USCIRF Condemns Death of Jesuit Priest Imprisoned in India
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
SOUTH AFRICA
Father Stan Swamy had spent his life working on behalf of poor, marginalized and oppressed peoples. He had been active in the liberation theology movements in the 1970’s in the Philippines and in Latin America. Peace Vigil