Petition from Madagascar for the release of Mr Ramesh Agarwal
“Dear Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Chief secretary of
“Dear Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Chief secretary of
Chhatisgarh & Chairman NHRC,
We are 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 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 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.
We are 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 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 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 Lalaina R. Rakotoson
Team Leader, DELC Madagascar
II P 33 Tambohobe Fianarantsoa 301 Madagascar
(261) 33 18 896 37
National Coordinator,
The Access Initiative, Madagascar
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