Bhopal July 13, 2021. L. S. Herdenia, Convener, All India Secular Forum and Dr Ram Puniyani, eminent writer and thinker in a joint statement have observed that the tragic death of Stan Swamy has come as a shock not only in our country but also in different parts of the world.
Swamy’s death has been condemned by Eamon Gilmore, European Union Special Representative for Human Rights and also by United Nations Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet.
The charges against him were not sustainable. He was accused of being a member of a Maoist organisation. Swamy was a devout Christian who can never associate with an organisation that does not believe in the existence of God and subscribes to an ideology that upholds a cult of violence. He was totally dedicated to the cause of Human Rights and spent his whole life protecting the basic rights of tribals.
They have expressed regret that the court despite his deteriorating health did not grant him bail despite the fact that many superior courts now hold the view that “Bail should be the norm and Jail the Exception.”
The statement demanded that responsibility for his death should be fixed and those found guilty should be punished.
