Petition from Uganda
Kampala, Uganda, 6th June 2011
Dear Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Chief secretary of Chhatisgarh & Chairman National Human Rights Commission of India,
Africa Freedom of Information Centre, a pan-African civil society organization promoting the right of access to information on the African continent is deeply concerned that Ramesh Agarwal, a long standing environmental, social and right to information 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.
We also request that to strengthen democracy and human rights by causing investigation into reports that harm and/or threats have been caused to a number of citizens for exercising their right to information under the Indian law.
Sincerely,
Gilbert Sendugwa
Coordinator/ Head of Secretariat
Africa Freedom of Information Centre
Plot 5 Katego Road, Kamokya (Near Save the Children)
P.O Box 35643
Tel: 256 414 533554 Fax 256 414 533554
Mobile: 256 772 454073/ 256 703 022114
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