Bp Thomas Thuruthimattam CST, Gorakhpur
I endorse the statement that ‘the arrest of Fr Stan Swamy is a gross violation of human rights and democratic norms’ Because:
** As far as I know he did not refuse to cooperate with the Investigating Agencies.
** The situation of Covid 19 pandemic and the dangers to the life of an octogenarian, when compelled to leave his residence and to be put behind bars is unacceptable and inhuman.
** Fr Stan, who stood for the rights of the poor and marginalized tribals and who had no criminal background, did not deserve such an unwarranted manner of arrest.
** His arrest is a hard blow to those who commit their lives for the promotion of rights and development of the oppressed people whose constitutional rights are endangered.
** If his arrest is on the basis of any fabricated story, misunderstanding, prejudice, ignorance or contempt of the services of a Catholic Christian missionary, it is highly regrettable in this democratic country.
