Jesuit-Led Appeal in UK Parliament Seeks Justice for Fr. Stan and BK-16

United Kingdom, 11 April 2025: A meeting held in the UK Parliament has drawn renewed attention to the plight of 16 Indian human rights defenders, known as the ‘Bhima Koregaon 16’ (BK-16), who have been detained under India’s contentious anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Organised by Jesuit Missions, the gathering focused on the case of these activists—lawyers, professors, journalists, artists, and political commentators—who were arrested for allegedly inciting violence during the 2018 Bhima Koregaon protests and conspiring against the Indian state. The group worked to promote the rights of Adivasi (indigenous), Dalit (marginalised caste), and Muslim communities.

Among the BK-16 was the late Jesuit priest Fr. Stan Swamy, who died in custody in July 2021 at the age of 84. Several of the others continue to be held without trial.

Campaign for Justice and Accountability

The session was chaired by Lord Harries of Pentregarth and attended by four parliamentarians, representatives from Jesuit Missions, Jesuits in Britain, PEN International, London Mining Network, Fossil Free Science Museum, university students, and other advocacy groups. The discussion centred on the background of the BK-16 case, international solidarity efforts, and the campaign to clear Fr. Stan’s name.

Professor Alpa Shah, author of The Incarcerations, which explores the BK-16 case, spoke at the event. “The sheer scale of injustice that [the case] signified” and “what it reveals about democracy in India” motivated her to write the book, she said.

Attendees suggested raising the issue in the House of Lords and presenting it to Foreign Secretary David Lammy for further action.

Continuing Advocacy for Fr. Stan

Jesuit Missions has long advocated for Fr. Stan’s release and, since his death, has called for his name to be cleared. The organisation wrote to Mr. Lammy last year urging support for the campaign and has contacted the Indian High Commission to request a formal meeting.

On 25 April, the eve of what would have been Fr. Stan’s 88th birthday, Jesuit Missions plans to deliver memorial cards to the Indian High Commission in his honour, as part of their ongoing call for justice.

Paul Chitnis, Director of Jesuit Missions, stated, “Fr. Swamy’s death in custody, after being charged with crimes for which there is no evidence, is a stain on the Indian government’s reputation. Justice delayed is justice denied.”

Courtesy: Jesuit Missions UK