[Reader-list] HRF statement on Binayak conviction

[Nagraj Adve]

Am forwarding HRF press release.
Naga



Press Release


                                                    24-12-2010

                                                     Hyderabad


The Human Rights Forum (HRF) expresses shock and outrage at the
sentencing to life of Dr Binayak Sen by the Raipur District and
Sessions Court on Friday. Dr Sen is president of the Chattisgarh unit
of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and the PUCL’s
national vice-president.

We recall that the farcical nature of the trial was widely reported
over the past three years and the grave charges against Dr Sen were
believed to be totally baseless. This judgement is entirely
unjustified, unacceptable and is part of a viciously motivated
campaign to silence democratic dissent. It is intended to intimidate
and vilify those who advocate human rights and expose their
violations.

This judgement is brazen injustice. The HRF joins human rights
activists across the country and all those who cherish democracy in
condemning this travesty of justice. We demand that all charges
against Binayak Sen be dropped and he be released.


VS Krishna
            S Jeevan Kumar
(HRF State general secretary)                                     (HRF
State president)