\u201cNo one who fights for human rights should face such violence and neglect”<\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nThe webinar was jointly organized by Front Line Defenders, Hindus for Human Rights, The Humanism Project, India Civil Watch International, and Survival International, and co-sponsored by Adivasi Lives Matter, Dalit Solidarity Forum, the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA), and the Indian American Muslim Council.<\/p>\n
During his speech in the webinar Congressman Vargas deplored the abusive treatment of Father Swamy.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one who fights for human rights should face such violence and neglect,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor said Father Swamy \u2019s work and India\u2019s ruling political regime represent two striking different rights scenarios in the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Father Stan\u2019s life represents the best tradition of human rights defense and social justice work, his unlawful arrest and death in custody represent the rapidly accelerating assault on rights, justice, rule of law, and democracy by India\u2019s current political regime,\u201d Lawlor said.<\/p>\n
Australian Federal Senator David Shoebridge criticized Indian authorities for assaults on human rights through repressive anti-terror acts like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe continued erosion of human rights and the rule of law makes India a less reliable partner, economically and politically, for democratic countries like Australia. This is ultimately a tragedy for both countries,\u201d said\u00a0Shoebridge.<\/p>\n
European Parliament member Alviina Alamets\u00e4 insisted that \u201cwe cannot have business deals, investments, and cooperation if the issues in India are not fixed.”<\/p>\n
All the\u00a0panelists noted Father Swamy\u2019s extensive service fighting for the rights of the\u00a0Adivasi people.<\/p>\n
Indian tribal leader Soni Sori said that the late Jesuit priest\u2019s struggles for the rights of tribal people were extraordinary and courageous, referring to the ongoing repression of tribals in the form of rape, incarceration, torture, and killings of Adivasis in the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh state<\/p>\n
The panelists deplored a new round of arrests of rights defenders and outspoken journalists including Teesta Setalvad, R. B Sreekumar, and Mohammad Zubair, and urged immediate intervention before the rule of law in India worsens further.<\/p>\n
Latest News <\/h4>\n
\n<\/div>\n