'Stan Swamy arrested due process under law, bail rejected owing to nature of charges': MEA responds to UN body on human rights
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New Delhi, July 7: "Stan Swamy was arrested and detained by the National Investigation Agency following due process under the law. Because of the specific nature of charges against him, his bail applications were rejected by the courts," the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official press release.
The MEA dismissed the international criticism about the death of 84-year-old activist Stan Swamy. This came after the UN body on human rights said it was "deeply saddened" and "disturbed" by the Jesuit priest's death during his pre-trial detention. The MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi added that the Bombay High Court had allowed Swamy to get treated at a private hospital on May 28. The tribal rights activist passed away "following medical complications".
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Full statement by MEA
“We have seen reports on the demise of Father Stan Swamy.
Father Stan Swamy was arrested and detained by the National Investigation Agency following due process under the law. Because of the specific nature of charges against him, his bail applications were rejected by the courts. Authorities in India act against violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights. All such actions are strictly in accordance with the law.
In view of Father Stan Swamy’s ailing health, the Bombay High Court had allowed his medical treatment at a private hospital where he was receiving all possible medical attention since May 28. His health and medical treatment was being closely monitored by the courts. He passed away on July 5 following medical complications.
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India’s democratic and constitutional polity is complemented by an independent judiciary, a range of national and state-level Human Rights Commissions that monitor violations, a free media and a vibrant and vocal civil society. India remains committed to promotion and protection of human rights of all its citizens.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the UN body on human rights issued a statement saying that it was "deeply saddened and disturbed" by the death of Stan Swamy.
"We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the death of 84-year-old Father Stan Swamy, a human rights defender and Jesuit priest, in Mumbai yesterday, following his arrest in October 2020 under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," said Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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Throssell stated that UN High Commissioner for Human Rights - Michelle Bachelet - and independent experts have repeatedly urged the Government of India to release Stan Swamy and 15 others detained in the Bhima Koregaon (Elgar Parishad) case.