As we witnessed the outspread of the Covid-19 pandemic, political prisoners and accused under trails have been released worldwide. This is in conformity with the understanding of human rights. However, the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah led BJP Government in the country has unabatedly used the prevailing health concerning situations to its political use. Many activists and intellectuals from across the country including Anti-CAA activists were being imprisoned and kept in jails under draconian laws. Prisons have largely been the most inhumane places to live in especially in times of the pandemic. Covid-19 cases have also been reported in prisons across the country. The higher courts of the country too have functioned as extended arms of the government and have denied many political prisoners the basic human dignity and the right to a healthy life.
Concerns were repeatedly raised about the health of intellectuals and activists incarcerated under draconian laws. Safoora Zargar, an Anti-CAA activist was booked under the UAPA laws. Her bail pleas were rejected three times even on humanitarian grounds despite the fact that she was a 23-week pregnant. Gautam Navlakha, Anand Teltumbde, Sudha Bharadwaj, Rona Wilson amongst other political prisoners whose health was reported to be deteriorating were also denied bails. They were also not provided with the necessary medical aid.
The health of Akhil Gogoi deteriorates
Now, concerns have been raised about the deteriorating health conditions of Human Rights activist Akhil Gogoi. Akhil Gogoi has been the leader of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti and a well-known human rights activist. The media outlet, Prag News in its tweet has also mentioned that his body has shown all symptoms of Covid-19. On 4th July 2020, the court had ordered the authorities to provide him proper medical treatments but no action had been taken by the concerned authorities the tweet states.
As per reports, imprisoned #KMSS leader #AkhilGogoi's health has deteriorated as his body showed all symptoms of #Covid19. Yesterday the court had directed the authorities to give him proper medical treatment but no action had been taken on the part of the concerned authorities pic.twitter.com/FbBFZZNDm3
— Prag News (@PragNews) July 5, 2020
Akhil Gogoi has been booked under the draconian UAPA Laws for being a part of the Anti-CAA Protests.
Read: Safoora Zargar Granted Bail after it was denied three times
[…] Also Read: Akhil Gogoi shows Covid-19 symptoms: Not treated despite Court Orders […]