Petition from Sri Lanka for the release of Mr. Ramesh Agarwal
Date: Lundi 6 juin 2011, 12h19
Date: Lundi 6 juin 2011, 12h19
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
Dear Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Chief secretary of Chhatisgarh & Chairman National Human Rights Commission,
We are very concerned that Ramesh Agarwal, a long standing environmental and social 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 were informed that Mr. Agarwal has been denied medical attention and chained to his hospital bed in violation of his fundamental human rights recognized by the laws of India. We sincerely hope that India does not send a message to the world that its citizen 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.
Dr. Raman Singh, Chief Minister of Chhatisgarh
Shri P.J. Oomen, Chief Secretary
Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission
Dear Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Chief secretary of Chhatisgarh & Chairman National Human Rights Commission,
We are very concerned that Ramesh Agarwal, a long standing environmental and social 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 were informed that Mr. Agarwal has been denied medical attention and chained to his hospital bed in violation of his fundamental human rights recognized by the laws of India. We sincerely hope that India does not send a message to the world that its citizen 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.
Sonali de Silva (Chairperson) and Mihiri Gunawardane (Director)
The Public Interest Law Foundation
120/10, Vidya Mawatha
Off Wijerama Mawatha
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka.
Tel: + 4741411
Fax: + 4741411
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