“Saddened, Disturbed”: UN On Stan Swamy’s Death

The United Nations on Tuesday mentioned it’s “disturbed by the loss of life” of 84-year-old priest-activist Father Stan Swamy. “Nobody ought to be detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, of peaceable meeting and of affiliation,” mentioned the spokesperson for the UN Excessive Commissioner for Human Rights in an announcement.

Stan Swamy had been held in pre-trial detention with out bail since his arrest final yr beneath anti-terror legislation Illegal Actions Prevention Act (UAPA) in reference to the Elgar Parishad case. The well being of the Jesuit priest deteriorated whereas he was in Mumbai’s Taloja Central Jail . His repeated purposes for bail have been rejected. He died on Monday because the Bombay Excessive Court docket was contemplating an enchantment towards the rejection of his bail software.

“With COVID-19, it’s much more pressing that States launch each individual detained with out adequate authorized foundation,” mentioned the worldwide physique.

Stan Swamy had up to now alleged neglect by jail officers in making certain medical support and social distancing amid the pandemic.

The loss of life of the tribal rights activist has triggered an outpour of shock, outrage and despair on social media from political leaders and different activists.

“The information from India right this moment is devastating Human Rights Defender & Jesuit priest Fr Stan Swamy has died in custody, 9 months after his arrest on false fees of terrorism,” UN particular rapporteur for human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, mentioned on Twitter on Monday.”Jailing HRDs is inexcusable,” she added, referring to human rights defenders.

Stan Swamy was the oldest of a dozen individuals accused of violence in 2018 and imprisoned beneath the anti-terror legislation, which permits for extended detention for questioning.