Dear Friends, As you know, in early March 2017, a hand-picked judge convicted Professor DN Saibaba of several trumped-up charges, including “waging war against the state.” His lawyer refuted all of these charges, arguing that Saibaba had been convicted for his ideology, not his actions. Saibaba and four other activists received life-sentences. This was a blatant attempt to silence one of the most influential voices opposing the Indian government and standing with many oppressed groups at the bottom of Indian society, including the dalits (so-called untouchables who make up 15% of India’s population) and the adivasis (India’s 100 million indigenous people). The judge refused to issue an order instructing the jail authorities to give adequate medical care to Saibaba. He suffers from life-threatening pancreatitis, kidney stones and dangerously high blood pressure. On July 24, Saibaba’s wife, Vasantha Kumari, told the National Herald that Saibaba’s jailors were not permitting him to take his medicines. According to Vasantha, “he is inching towards death with every passing minute.” She also made an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission. Recently Saibaba was able to send birthday greetings to his wife from Anda Cell in Maharashtra. Here is part of his emotional letter: ---- Dear Vasantha, I wish you have a happy birthday. The state has determined to separate us. It has even determined to destroy us. In 26 years of our married life, we have not looked forward to individual comforts and growths. I can only say that you should continue hope and work for the rights of the people in my absence. We dreamed for a better society, we hoped for the end to the inequalities, for human rights, civil and democratic rights of the oppressed people, Dalits, Adivasis, women, the disabled and the minorities. We continue to uphold these values and work for the betterment of the marginalised sections of the people to bring real democracy in our society. Whatever I did in my life so far I could do it because you stood like a lighthouse showering love all along me. With a lot of love, Sai ---- There is an urgent need for people to speak out and take action to save Professor Saibaba’s life so that he can receive adequate medical care outside of prison. To take one example, in the week after Saibaba’s conviction, the group Radical Desi in Vancouver, Canada organized a rally of social justice activists to protest against Saibaba’s persecution, and presented a petition signed by 500 people to a South Asian legislator. In another example, in the last few days in Boston, where this photo was taken, over 180 people have signed the petition, and many discussions have taken place about the developments and implications of this case. If you would like to take steps in your city to save the life of Professor Saibaba and let the Indian government know that many people in the U.S. are watching its actions, please contact the Free Saibaba Coalition—US at freedrsaibaba@gmail.com