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DO SOMETHING: Narayan Reddy detained for false charges!
From now until 23 February 2012, do something to urge the Prime Minister of India to immediately release Narayan Reddy and to ensure freedom of expression!
Who is Narayan Reddy?
Abhay Sahoo is the previous leader of the campaign and one of 11 others involved and facing false charges. Narayan Reddy has been leading the campaign since Sahoo's detention on 25 November 2011. ©Amnesty International
Narayan Reddy is the leader of a campaign that has been going on for seven years against the state from acquiring 1,600 hectares of land in five villages (the majority of which are common lands farmed by villagers) for a US$12 billion plant proposed by South Korean steel giant POSCO. He is also a leader of the Communist Party of India in the eastern state of Orissa.
What happened to Narayan Reddy?
On 23 December 2011, Reddy was detained after being charged with murder at a clash on 15 December 2011 between steel plant workers and local protesters against the steel plant – but we hear from our friends at AI that Reddy was not directly involved in this! In fact, AI believes that the charges are an attempt to silence Reddy’s ongoing campaign.
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What are you waiting for? ADD YOUR NAME NOW!Dear Prime Minister, I am appalled by the news that POSCO’s steel plant proposal is linked to yet another human rights violation in Orissa, India. I am concerned that the charges against Narayan Reddy are intended to silence him from the ongoing campaigning against forcible acquisition of common land for POSCO’S proposed steel plant. Therefore, I am writing to urge you to:
Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [Your full name] |
Additional information:
Narayan Reddy is now in Samagol prison in Orissa state and his petition for release on bail has just been refused by the local courts but he will probably make further applications for bail again.
The planned steel plant is the biggest foreign direct investment project in India. However, for the last seven years, campaigners have blockaded the area, preventing the authorities and representatives of POSCO from gaining access to the area.
Narayan Reddy has been leading the campaign against the acquisition of the lands after Abhay Sahoo’s detention on 25 November 2011. Abhay Sahoo is also a leading member of the Communist Party of India in Orissa. The state has filed false charges against him and 10 other activists.
This is not the first case of human rights violations linked to land rights in Orissa or POSCO’s proposed steel plant:
- Tell the Chief Minister of Orissa to Stop Farmers from Being Kicked Out of Their Homes!
- Take Action NOW to Protect the Rights of Indigenous People in Orissa, India!
