Release Dr. Binayak Sen: Health Human Right and Development Activist--Prisoner of Conscience in Chhatisgarh, 2007-08

Dr. Binayak Sen – paediatrician, public health professional and civil liberties activist – was arrested by the Chhattisgarh police on 14th May 2007 at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Asked by the Superintendent of Police to appear for recording a statement, he was placed under arrest when he reached the police station. He is currently being held in Raipur Central Jail under two draconian state and national laws – the Chattisgarh Special Public Security Act 2005 (CSPSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 2004. This booklet attempts to address some of the questions raised by the arrest of Dr. Binayak Sen, and suggests what health professionals and socially concerned persons could do to press for the release of this prisoner of conscience in our times.