Release of Prof. G.N. Saibaba
The CPIML Central Committee has issued the following statement -
While the acquittal of GN Saibaba, Mahesh Kariman Tirki, Hem Keshavdatta Mishra, Prashant Sanglikar and Vijay Tirki, by the Bombay High Court was a victory for the battle for the release of all political prisoners, the same was short-lived as the Supreme Court in a special sitting held on a Saturday morning, suspended the said order and stayed their release. After being incarcerated for 6 years, Prof G.N. Saibaba the others were acquitted by the Bombay High Court in its order delivered on 13th October 2022.
Sadly, Pandu Narote died during the pendency of the appeal. Prof. G. N. Saibaba, who is in a wheelchair with a 90% physical disability also suffers from a serious heart condition, acute pancreatitis and gall bladder stones and is in need of immediate medical attention. A request for house arrest was also rejected. In the Press Conference held in Delhi on 'India Behind Bars', Vasantha, activist and partner of GN Saibaba had said, "Saibaba has been battling various health issues for so many years. This government has no basic sense of responsibility and empathy towards its own citizens."
The manner in which the present regime has weaponised an already unjust criminal justice system to lock up anyone standing up against its unjust policies is clear in its use of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
CPIML will continue to fight for the release of all political prisoners and the repeal of all draconian laws.
Clampdown on students and teachers protesting for release of GN Saibaba!
The students and teachers were beaten and detained by Delhi Police on 15 October in Delhi University. AISA had called for a gathering to protest against the suspension of release of Professor GN Saibaba and others. As soon as students gathered at Arts Faculty, a brutal repression was unleashed by the authorities and police. Students were beaten, manhandled and injured before they were detained. The protesters were taken to Burari Police Station where the public meeting took place.
Teachers of Delhi University, Nandita Narain, Saroj Giri and Jitendra Meena visited and addresses the gathering at Burari Police Station in solidarity with the students and demanding release of GN Saiba and all political prisoners. The protesters were released at 6PM after filing FIR on several activists including AISA Delhi President Abhigyan and AISA DU Jt. Secretary Manik.
Protest in Patna
A citizens’ protest was held in Patna on 17 October condemning SC order against the release of Prof. Saibaba and others. The protesters demanded release of all political prisoners and to stop persecution of activists by the BJP government.
AIPF, RYA, AISA and Dasham called for this protest which was attended by many prominent citizens and addressed by ex-Prof. of Patna University Santosh Kumar, AIKM leader KD Yadav, AIPWA’s Shashi Yadav, Vikas Kumar of AISA, AIPF convenor Kamlesh Sharma, Prof. Satish Kumar and many others. They strongly opposed the government for using the criminal justice system as a weapon against its own citizens who stood for the rights of the people.
