28/09/2012
JUA
Case No
Country
Mandate(s)
Summary of the allegation transmitted
IND 24/2012
India
Arbitrary detention;
Disappearances;
Freedom of
expression; Freedom
of peaceful assembly
and of association;
Freedom of religion;
Human rights
defenders; Summary
executions; Torture;
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 supporting 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).
Reply
A/HRC/22/67
110
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