India: Janakeeya Manushyavakasa Prasthanam Condemns Attacks Against Prisoners

We hereby share an unofficial translation of a statement published by Janakeeya Manushyavakasa Prasthanam.

Thrissur – Authorities of the High-Security Jail Should Uphold Justice

Stop the actions of assaulting comrades Dr. Dinesh, Usman, Chaitanya, and Aneesh Babu, and locking them in a different cell. Take action against the authorities who challenge the jail manual and the constitution.

Kerala is generally considered progressive, but experiences tell a different story. The high-security jail in India that violates the most law and justice is in Kerala. The “High Security Prison” operating in Viyyur, Thrissur, is functioning like a “kingdom” independent of Kerala. The constitution? Jail laws? These authorities seem unaffected by them. They are driven by a fascist mentality.

Last Thursday, comrade Dr. Dinesh, who is imprisoned under allegations of Maoist connections, was subjected to a cell transfer. When asked why this transfer was necessary, the ordinary concerns of fellow inmates Usman, Chaitanya, and Aneesh Babu were portrayed as provocations. Using around 20 reserve battalion members, they were assaulted, and all four were moved to different cells. Furthermore, they have been locked in their cells at all times. This action is a challenge to the democratic rights of the prisoners and a blatant violation of the ruling issued by the courts against prolonged solitary confinement. All democratic progressive forces must be ready to protest against this.

Jails in Kerala and those in other states governed by the BJP handle prisoners similarly and implement the same oppressive policies. The authorities have appealed to the High Court against the courts ruling. During this time, one must question whether the cell transfers, assaults, and other forms of coercion are aimed at serving some other interests.

Denial of basic rights such as access to books, pens, newspapers, medical treatment, food, and clothing is common here. In summary, the actions taking place in this jail are entirely illegal, and the government must take action against the authorities leading such oppressive measures.

Janakeeya Manushyavakasa Prasthanam
Convener, Hari
9496916906