Petition Against Dr Binayak Sen’s Solitary Confinement

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We the undersigned strongly condemn the imposition of solitary confinement on Dr Binayak Sen by the authorities of Raipur Jail in Chattisgarh since 15 March 2008.

To keep Dr Sen in solitary confinement not only violates the Indian Penal Code but also all principles of justice and fairplay.

It is unfortunate enough that Dr Sen, an internationally renowned humanitarian activist, has been kept in prison for the past eleven months on false charges under the Chattisgarh State Public Security Act, a law that violates the basic provisions of the Indian Constitution. To further subject him to solitary confinement is nothing but a sign of vengefulness on the part of the Raipur Jail and Chattisgarh police authorities and an obvious attempt to break his morale.

We would like to point out that such treatment is completely unwarranted as Dr Sen is an undertrial and not convicted of any crime. Even convicted persons are protected by law from any cruel and unusual punishment.

It is well established that confinement of any prisoner carries the risk of serious mental and physical harm and can amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. The imprisonment of a person in total isolation is not acceptable under international human rights standards.

We would also like to express deep concern over the impact of such solitary confinment on the physical and mental health of Dr Sen, a heart patient, who during the course of his imprisonment has already lost over 15 kilograms in weight.

We expect the Chattisgarh Government to withdraw all charges against Dr Sen and release him from jail immediately. We will hold the authorities responsible for any harm that may befall Dr Sen during his detention, a deliberate act of blatant victimisation of one of India’s finest public spirited health and human rights activist.