NHRC notice to State on activists’ arrest

March 04, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:49 am IST - NEW DELHI:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday issued notice to the Kerala government over the allegations that human rights defenders and rights activists in the State were being arrested after branding them as ‘Maoist sympathisers.’

The NHRC issued the notice to the Director General of Police calling for a report within two weeks over the issue, according to an official statement released here.

The notice was issued after the NHRC took suo motu cognisance of a media report that the State government was targeting human rights defenders and rights activists by labelling them as ‘Maoists sympathisers.’

Arrested under UAPA

Thushar Nirmal Sarathy, secretary, Janakeeya Manushyavakasa Prasthanam, and Jaison C. Cooper, a blogger, had been arrested under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and were in jail since January 30.

While Mr. Jaison was arrested from Kochi on January 29, 2015, Mr. Thushar was arrested after a press conference in Kozhikode the same day.

The Commission observed that the contents of the press report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of human rights defenders.

Delegation meets HM

Our Special Correspondent writes: Social and cultural activists on Monday submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala seeking the release of Mr. Thushar and Mr. Jaison. A delegation, led by veteran journalist and human rights activist B.R.P. Bhaskar, called on the Minister and submitted the memorandum, which has been signed by around 1,200 persons from across the country and beyond. Mr. Chennithala told the delegation, which also comprised A. Vasu, J. Devika, Bhasurendra Babu and Jolly Chirayath, that the government could not help taking firm action when repeated attacks took place at different places. He would, however, look at the issue afresh and hold discussions with the officers concerned, the Home Minister said.

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