Centre defends Stan Swamy's detention, says it was according to law
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New Delhi: The foreign ministry said that the arrest of Stan Swamy was an action taken against the violation of the law. The 84-year-old Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist, who died as an undertrial accused, was arrested under anti-terror law last year.
Responding to his death during the months-long detention, the ministry said that he was arrested and detained by the National Investigation Agency following due process under the law. "Authorities in India act against violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights."
The ministry said that India remains committed to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all its citizens. "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," reported NDTV.
There is nationwide criticism since the arrest was part of the National Investigation Agency's investigation and Swamy was never interrogated. National and international organisations, including the United Nations Humans Rights Watch, condemned the circumstances.
The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that no one should be detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
UN special rapporteur for human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor tweeted that the news of Human Rights Defender & Jesuit priest Fr Stan Swamy's death in custody is devastating. She added that he was in custody for nine months after his arrest on "false charges of terrorism".
Stan Swamy was arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad Case and was charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The act allows prolonged detention for questioning. Swamy passed away on Monday after the hearing of an appeal against the rejection of his bail plea.
The ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that his bail application was rejected by the courts due to the specific nature of the charges. He added that Swamy was undergoing medical treatment at a private hospital and received all possible medical attention. The Bombay High Court had ordered him to receive medical help.