The Indian government on Tuesday issued an extraordinary clarification on the tragic death of Father Stan Swamy after a top UN Human Rights official termed the noted activist’s passing in custody ‘devastating.’ The statement from the ministry of external affairs said that India had ‘independent judiciary’, ‘free media’, and functioning ‘human rights commissions.’
The statement from the MEA said, “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.”
The reaction came after top UN and EU human rights officials termed the death of Stan Swamy as ‘devastating.’ They said that the 84-year-old defender of indigenous peoples’ rights in India was imprisoned on ‘false charges of terrorism.’
“The news from India today is devastating. Human Rights Defender and Jesuit priest Fr. Stan Swamy has did in custody, nine months after his arrest on false charges of terrorism. Jailing Human Rights Defenders is inexcusable,” news agency PTI quoted Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders as saying.
In response, the MEA statement said, “We have seen reports on the demise of Father Stan Swamy.” It claimed that Father Swamy was ‘arrested and detained by the National Investigation Agency following due process under 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.”
It went on to claim that ‘all such actions are strictly in accordance with the law.’
The statement from the MEA added, “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,” it added.
Ironically, the Indian government’s claim on ‘free media’ came on the say when Reporters Without Borders included Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the list of ‘predators of press freedom.’