Highlights Of Last Month – July 2021

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 National

UNITED STATES

India’s cruelty to its critics shows the deterioration of the world’s largest democracy The Washington Post

A 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

AUSTRALIA

In January, to mark 100 days in jail, Swamy…said he hadn’t met the 15 other people accused with him, despite being in the same jail. “But we still sing in chorus. A caged bird can still sing,” he wrote. The Canberra Times

EUROPE

I am very saddened to hear that Fr #StanSwamy has passed away. A defender of indigenous peoples’ rights. Eamon Gilmore EU Special Representative for Human Rights

ITALY

The life of Father Stan Swamy celebrated by The Society of Jesus

CANADA

Protest against Institutional Killing of Fr Stan Swamy outside Indian Consulate Office, Toronto

UNITED NATIONS

“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.” Mary Lawlor UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders