CJP’s petition to release Hany Babu for eye treatment: Sign Now! The professor is suffering from a severe eye infection, and could lose vision in one eye
12, May 2021 | CJP Team
Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has launched an online petition to free Hany Babu, the 55-year-old Professor, who is an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, has been in custody since July 2020 without trial.
Unfortunately, since May 3, he has developed an acute eye infection in Taloja Jail, with little or no vision in his left eye due to the swelling. It has also spread to his cheek, ear and forehead, and he fears that it will soon impact his brain. In agonising pain, he has also not been able to nurse his eye because of water shortage and with very little access to clean water, he is being forced to dress his eye with soiled towels.
CJP stands in solidarity with the human rights defenders targeted by a vindictive state. A healthy democracy needs voices of dissent. We also need human rights defenders and social activists to work tirelessly to uphold our shared values of equality, peace and justice. Join CJP now!
Only after incessant calls and emails from his family members and lawyer, the jail authorities managed to take him to a Government Hospital in Vashi on May 7. But due to an alleged unavailability of an escort officer, he has not been taken to the government facility for a follow up treatment.
The email sent by his lawyer to the Jail Superintendent emphasises the gravity of the situation and that even a day’s delay may lead to an irreversible deterioration leading to partial or complete loss of sight, as well as a life-threatening complication if it affects the brain. However, in a shocking display of State apathy, he has not been able to visit an ophthalmologist after May 7.
UPDATE: After pressure from human organisations like CJP, media and political leaders, Hany Babu was shifted to GT Hospital in Mumbai. But he has also contracted COVID. At present he is receiving treatment in the COVID ward and is also being tended Ophthalmologists as his eye remains infected. According to his wife, Jenny Rowena, due to damage in nerves and muscles, he can’t coordinate both eyes and continues to have double vision in in his left eye. He requires prolonged treatment and should be released.
We have humbly urged and requested the Chief Minister and Home Minister, Maharashtra to immediately direct Professor Babu’s release in order for him to avail necessary eye treatment that he is entitled to.
Join CJP’s voice in demanding his release. Sign our Change.org petition here:
