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Rights group seeks fair trial for doctor in Chhattisgarh

Human Rights Watch, the well-known New York-based rights group, has pitched in for fair trial for Chhattisgarh’s social activist Binayak Sen

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NEW DELHI: Human Rights Watch, the well-known New York-based rights group, has pitched in for fair trial for Chhattisgarh’s social activist Binayak Sen, charged by the state of being a member of a terrorist outfit, in this case the naxalites. The trial hearings began on April 30.

“The actions of the local authorities and the presiding judge call into serious question whether Sen will receive a fair trial. To ensure fairness, the venue should be moved to another state with no political axe to grind,” says Brad Adams of Human Rights Watch.
Sen, a well-known paediatrician and general secretary of the People’s Union of Civil Liberties, was arrested on May 14, 2007 by Chhattisgarh police.

The doctor has been in custody since then and charged by the authorities for alleged links with naxalites.

Sen has been working among the tribals for nearly two decades, extending basic medical care. The global health council has named him winner of the 2008 Jonathan Mann Award for health and human rights in recognition of his work.

The state’s primary evidence produced in court so far includes letters from Maoist leader Narayan Sanyal, which Sen is charged of having smuggled out of prison. Sen has denied all these charges and said that his meetings with Sanyal were facilitated by jail authorities to provide medical care.

“Dr Sen appears to be a victim of the Chhattisgarh government’s attempt to silence those who criticise its policies and failure to protect human rights in its fight against naxalites,” says Adams.

g_seema@dnaindia.net
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