The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India issued today (on July 5, 2021) the following statement expressing shock the death of Father Stan Swamy:

The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India expresses its shock and grief at the death of Father Stan Swamy. The Party demands the arrest of all those responsible for his death and given proper punishment for inhuman treatment meted out to him. The people at large take his death as institutional murder.

The 84-year-old Jesuit priest from Jharkhand was actively mobilizing tribals in the area and fighting for their welfare. He has been arrested on charges of link with the Bhima Koregaon case and was jailed last October under the draconian UAPA. He was denied even treatment for his various ailments.

His death raises several questions regarding the judiciary, treatment in custody, denial of medical facilities, torture in custody etc. The Party demands arrest of all those responsible for foisting false cases on him, his continued detention and inhuman treatment. They should be made accountable for his death and given proper punishment.

The Party calls upon the people to express their anger in protest and to fight for the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.

The Party reiterates its demand for release of all those jailed in the Bhima Koregaon case.

 S/d

(Roykutty)

Office Secretary