Stan Swamy was detained under 'due process of law': India government

AMID an uproar over the death of priest-activist Father Stan Swamy in judicial custody on Monday (5), the Indian government on Tuesday said in its first response that action is taken in the country against “violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights”.

National and international organisations, including the United Nations, have heavily criticised the death of the 84-year-old activist who was arrested last year under a tough anti-terror law in connection to the Bhima Koregaon-Elgar Parishad case of 2018.

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“Father Stan Swamy was arrested and detained by the National Investigation Agency following due process under law,” foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said on Tuesday evening. “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. All such actions are strictly in accordance with the law,” he added.

'Swamy was receiving all possible medical attention'

The ministry said Swamy was “receiving all possible medical attention” at a private hospital following the order of the Bombay high court.

“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 ministry said.

Swamy was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which allows prolonged detention for questioning and he died on Monday as a court was hearing an appeal against the rejection of his bail.

Earlier in the day, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement that no one should be detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, of peaceful assembly and of association.