Stan Swamy death reactions: The 84-year-old tribal rights activist arrested in the Elgar Parishad case passed away Monday in Mumbai. News of his demise came just ahead of his bail plea hearing on grounds of his deteriorating health condition.
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A notable political dissenter, Swamy was arrested from his Ranchi home last year under the anti-terror law for alleged inflammatory speech in Bhima-Koregaon causing violence in 2018. He spent the last months of his life fighting for release amid ailing health.
He was being treated at Mumbai's Holy Family hospital and had reportedly been on ventilator since July 4.
From Anger To Lamentation: Stan Swamy Death Reactions Online
Activists mourning Swamy's death on social media have erupted in outrage over the state and judiciary for delaying Swamy's bail even as his health worsened the last few months. Prominent women like Kavita Krishnan and Meena Kandasamy, among other netizens, have reacted strongly to Swamy's passing.
Here's what people are saying:
It’s over. Modi & Shah have accomplished the custodial killing of the gentle Jesuit social worker Fr Stan Swamy, who spent his life serving the oppressed. I hope the judges who denied him bail never get to sleep at night: they have blood on their hands. https://t.co/yp8Wi3SEh1
"India is witnessing judicial farce over and over. Stan Swamy dies during yet another bail hearing. Natasha Narwal is given bail after her father dies of Covid-19. The entire judiciary should drown in chullu bhar paani," Krishnan, All India Progressive Women's Association secretary, added.
84-year-old Jesuit Father #StanSwamy has passed away. Let us not talk about this as mere death. This is a judicial murder--and everyone is complicit: NIA, Modi- Shah, the judiciary that never saw the nonsense-upon-stilts which was Bhima Koregaon case, jails, ruling class & media pic.twitter.com/P8x2PHhBce
— Meena Kandasamy | #BJPKilledStanSwamy (@meenakandasamy) July 5, 2021
Activist Stan Swamy, who was denied of his rightful treatment in prison, died. Is it a death or state sponsored murder? pic.twitter.com/F1fjDAOaBl
Irish human rights advocate and United Nations Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor too has weighed in on Swamy's death, writing, "Horrible news to learn that Indian HRD Fr. Stan Swamy is in very serious condition & was put on a ventilator last night. He's spent 9 months in jail on unfounded charges. I’m deeply saddened & expect that every possible specialist treatment will be provided to him."
Stan Swamy's Case: What To Know
Swamy, a Jesuit priest and human rights activist, was the oldest person in India accused of and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His arrest prompted widespread protests and he garnered support for his release from political leaders like Shashi Tharoor, Supriya Sule and Kanimozhi.
Swamy had Parkinson's, as per reports, and in November last year had applied for a straw-sipper to be provided for drinking water, owing to motor issues. His request was denied by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In May 2021, Swamy told the Bombay High Court that his health condition was worsening in jail and applied for interim bail so he could go home. He had also tested positive for COVID-19 the same month and said he "would die soon" if bail wasn't granted.
His bail hearing was scheduled for 2:30 pm Monday. As court proceedings began, the doctor treating Swamy
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