Release Stan Swamy on humanitarian grounds, says German human rights commissioner

Barbel Kofler, the German commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance, has expressed concern about the health of tribal rights activist Stan Swamy and sought his release on humanitarian grounds. The 84-year-old activist, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, has been in custody since October in connection with the 2018 Bhima Koregaon case.

“Worried about reports on the deteriorating health of Father Stan Swamy who is a strong advocate of tribal rights in India in detention since October,” she tweeted on Tuesday. “Given his age and health condition, I urgently appeal to the relevant authorities to consider his release on humanitarian grounds!”

The German Embassy in India retweeted her appeal on Thursday.

German Human Rights Commissioner @BaerbelKofler appeals for the release of Father Stan Swamy on humanitarian grounds https://t.co/sKb9vrFOU4

— German Embassy India (@GermanyinIndia) June 3, 2021

Last week, Swamy’s health condition had deteriorated and he was shifted to Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai. He had also tested positive for the coronavirus infection. On May 28, the Bombay High Court had ordered Swamy to be moved to a hospital for 15 days.

On May 19, the Bombay High Court had asked Taloja prison officials to send Swamy for a medical examination at Mumbai’s JJ Hospital. The court had asked the hospital to submit its report on May 21. The…

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