Case No
Country
IND 24/2012
28/09/2012 India
JUA
Mandate(s)
Arbitrary
detention;
Disappearances;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful
assembly and of
association;
Freedom of
religion;
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Summary of the allegation transmitted
Reply
08/08/2013
Allegations of new acts of harassment against members of the Peoples Movement
Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) and other human rights defenders. According to the
information received, on 10 September 2012, law enforcement authorities brutally
repressed a peaceful demonstration near the Koodankulam plant raising concerns related
to adverse effects on their health and livelihoods. Women, men and children were
reportedly beaten and some were subsequently admitted to hospital. Those injured
included Mr. Udayakumar, Mr. Sahaya Initha, Ms. Initha, Ms. Chennammal, Ms. Jesu
Ammal,. Mr. Gnanaprakasam, Mr. David, Mr. Gloudin, Mr. Jeniker, Mr. Selvan,. Mr.
Joseph, Mr. Michael,. Mr. Valan, Mr. Thangasamy, Mr. Jeniker, Mr. Kennedy, Mr.
Selson, Mr. Siluvai John and Mr. Jesu. Messrs. Selson, Siluvai John and Jesu were
reportedly hospitalised and later transferred to an unknown location. Several
demonstrators, including four minors, were arrested and charged with offences, including
sedition and rioting, under which they face life imprisonment. Warrants have also been
issued for the arrest of Mr. Udayakumar and his associate Mr. Pushparayan.In addition,
several media personnel were injured while covering the peaceful protest. In the
aftermath of the protest, the police reportedly desecrated the Lourdu Matha shrine,
breaking idols and spitting and urinating inside the church. Finally, a number of peaceful
protests in solidarity with PMANE took place in the following days and were repressed,
most notably in Manappad, Thoothukudi district, where Mr. Anthony Samywas
reportedly shot dead while peacefully demonstrating. Messrs Suseendaran,
Vivekanandan and Thirumurugan were arrested while extending solidarity for students
protesting of Nandanam Arts and Science College. Another protestor, Mr. Sahayam
Francis, died of a heart attack after a plane belonging to the India Coastal Guards
reportedly flew at a very low altitude where protestors had gathered again near the
Koodankulam plant. Members of PMANE were the subject of an earlier communication
(see above, case no IND 6/2012).
A/HRC/26/21
70
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