The Hindu : Front Page : Human rights activists to launch nationwide stir for immediate release of Binayak Sen

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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Human rights activists to launch nationwide stir for immediate release of Binayak Sen

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Human rights activists will launch a nationwide protest on Wednesday seeking immediate release of Binayak Sen. He has been in jail since last year for his alleged links with Maoists. Dr. Sen, a doctor by profession, has been associated with the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).

Dr. Sen was arrested on May 14 last year under the Chhattisgarh Public Security Act, 2005 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for “waging a war against the state and assisting a banned organisation.”

Dharnas to be held

Spearheaded by the PUCL, dharnas and protests will be held in various parts of the country seeking his release, the former PUCL president, Justice (retired) Rajendra Sachar, told reporters here on Tuesday.

Calling upon the Centre to intervene in the matter, Mr. Justice Sachar said the state could not become a terrorist in fighting against terrorists. “We expect the Central government to look into the issue,” he said referring to the state-sponsored Salwa Judum movement in Chhattisgarh.

“The Centre should resolve the matter if it is committed to human rights.”

Dr. Sen was conferred the Jonathan Mann award by the U.S.-based Global Health Council recently and a score of Nobel laureates had appealed to the government to enable him to receive the award on May 29.

The PUCL has also demanded the release of its another member Ajay T.G., a photojournalist, who was arrested on similar charges a few days ago.

Dr. Sen’s wife Ilina, who is also a member of the PUCL, alleged that he faced the ire of the Chhattisgarh government as he exposed the ugly reality of the Salwa Judum.

“Besides, he was critical of the forced evacuation of villagers from their homes to relief camps.”

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