Father Stan Swamy

Early day motion 144, tabled 7 June 2021 by Neale Hanvey (Alba). Signed by 20 members.

That this House condemns the arrest in October 2020 of Jesuit Priest Father Stan Swamy by the National Investigation Agency of India; condemns the harsh interrogation, refusal of bail, and ongoing detention of this frail 83 year-old priest; notes Father Swamy’s tireless work over five decades assisting the poor and vulnerable in India; further notes the gross ambiguity of the counter-terrorism charges levied against Father Swamy; and calls on the UK Government to demonstrate its promised commitment to human rights and protecting freedom of religious belief by asking the Indian Government to both immediately safeguard Father Swamy’s health and wellbeing by releasing him to his community, and to commit to protecting the rights of the activists and human rights campaigners across its country.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 9, Labour 6, Alba 2, DUP 1, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1.