Petition from Bulgaria for the release of Mr. Ramesh Agarwal

Petition from Bulgaria for the release of Mr. Ramesh Agarwal

To:

Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India

Dr. Raman Singh, Chief Minister of Chhatisgarh

Shri P.J. Oomen, Chief Secretary

Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission

6^th   June , 2011  

Sofia, Bulgaria

Dear Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Chief secretary of Chhatisgarh & Chairman National Human Rights Commission of India:

We are concerned that Ramesh Agarwal, a long standing environmental, social and RTI advocate has been arrested in Chhatisgarh and jailed without Bail.  We understand that he has been arrested on charges made by the Jindal Group of Companies alleging criminal defamation and intimidation based on statements made by Mr. Agarwal at a legally constituted Public Hearing one year ago in May 2010 on an environmental impact assessment for a 2500 MW power plant proposed by the Jindal Group.  Since his arrest, we understand that Mr. Agarwal has been denied medical attention and chained to his hospital bed in violation of his human rights recognized by the laws of India.  We sincerely hope that India does not send a message to the world that its citizens who speak up and express environmental and social concerns will be treated in this manner. 

We earnestly request that Mr. Agarwal be released without delay and that you ensure his safety, health and wellbeing.  We also hope that these charges will not be pursued any further and that the concerns that Mr. Agarwal and other villagers expressed at the hearing will be given earnest consideration by your Government and institutions.

Gergana Jouleva, Executive Director of Access to Information Programme Foundation, Bulgaria

Gergana Jouleva, Ph.D
Executive Director, Access to Information Programme,
76, Vassil Levski Blvd. 3rd floor, Apt. 3
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel/fax: (++359 2) 988 5062, 981 9791, 986 7709

Mobile:+359 (0) 887 21 81 60 
E-mail: gergana@aip-bg.org
Web site: www.aip-bg.org