Chief Minister of Maharashtra (India): Release Ferreira, he's innocent!

How We Won

Jan 05, 2012

On 3rd Jan.'12 Arun Ferreira was finally released - he was granted bail by principal and district judge Gadchiroli SS Ahmed on November 10 last year - biut was re-arrested without a warrant.

On Monday, Ferreira's family paid the personal bond of 50,000 and 50,000 worth solvency certificate to secure his release.

Here’s what happened - Fr. Cedric Prakash, started a petition 2 months ago and was supported by thousands (like you) across the world. The petition gained momentum offline with St. Xavier's college of Mumbai supporting his release. After Arun's family made many court visits and gathered more support.

  Fed up with the state police Ferreira also filed a petition in the High Court. The Court granted him bail and slapped a compensation of 25 lakhs on the state authorities. It was an emotional moment for Ferreira and his relatives at the central jail here on Wednesday afternoon after his release. A group of lawyers, his parents and well-wishers received and he immediately proceeded for Mumbai.

On his release, Arun specially thanked everyone for their support. 

“Thank you for your support, it feels good to come back home and eat mom’s home-cooked food.” - Arun Ferreira (5th Jan'12) after his release from Nagpur Central Jail

Arun Ferreira, a human rights defender, was forcibly arrested on September 27th 2011 in broad daylight without warrant outside Nagpur jail. He was arrested moments after he was released from being illegally jailed and tortured in 2007.

On 28th Sep. 2011 he was produced at the JMFC Court in Gadchiroli District. Maharashtra in with claims of a criminal conspiracy case of 2007 -- despite the fact that the Trial Court exonerated him of all charges on September 27th 2011. Yet, as soon as he walked free he was forcibly arrested.

His parents who were waiting for him outside Nagpur Central Jail were a witness to this incident. Arun's parents (above 70 years of age) are still in a state of shock. Ferriera’s lawyers, who protested againt the abduction, were manhandled by the police, they have already sent out a complaint letter to the Commissioner - to which there has been no response.

In India, Human Rights defenders have always been a target, because they work on behalf of the poor and victims of injustice. As a result, like Arun, have unfair allegations such as “naxalites” slapped against them.

Arun Ferreira an innocent man who deserves justice. Please sign the petition, and tell the Chief Minister of Maharashtra (India) to immediately release Arun Ferreira!

Media links: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_lawyers-fume-over-arun-fereiras-re-arrest_1592855

http://article.wn.com/view/2011/09/28/Arun_Fereira_abducted_by_unknown_persons_outside_Nagpur_Pris/

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_ferreira-case-has-national-implications_1096650

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/SC-guidelines-violated-in-arrest-of-Ferreira-outside-Central-Jail/articleshow/10170033.cms

Complaint Letter sent by lawyers: http://sanhati.com/articles/4177/

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