Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 12: It is shocking to hear that human rights activists who have dedicated their lives for bringing justice and livelihoods to the most marginalized groups have been continually targeted and victimized. Stan Swamy, SJ has been a recent and tragic example of such draconian actions.
Nation-wide protests are being held by various organizations and the social media demanding justice, immediate and unconditional release of such activists who have been sent to jail for standing with the last, least and the lost communities and tribes.
In this context, the Citizen Forum for Mangalore Development, St Aloysius College Institutions and Spandana Trust, Jeppu, Mangaluru and the citizens of Mangaluru organized a silent protest demanding justice for Stan Swamy, SJ and other Human Rights defenders with an online Zoom session at 3.50 pm on, Monday October 12 strictly following the COVID-19 protocols.
The eminent speakers in the Zoom session Lara Jesani, an advocate of Bombay High Court and Fr Tony P M, SJ from Jamshedpur Jesuit Province enlightened on the issue.
Fr Stan Swamy is a Jesuit priest and a tribal rights activist based in Jharkhand who was arrested on October 8 by NIA.
He has worked in the state for over three decades on various issues concerning the Adivasi communities over land, forest and labour rights.
St Aloysius College principal Dr Praveen Martis, rector Fr Melwyn Pinto, social activist Vidya Dinker and others were present.
Naveen Mascarenhas compered the program.
'We stand together strongly to condemn the false allegations and defamatory charges against these Human Rights Defenders. Let us join hands in showing our solidarity with these brave hearts who have committed themselves for the welfare of the most marginalized sections of society.'
Citizens of Mangaluru have been also encouraged to participate in the Zoom/YouTube session using the below-mentioned link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89511862528?pwd=Szh0RUdQU0FZNWFGS0tnZ0hNYm9FZz09