I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 258 together.
My Department has been monitoring the case of this individual since October of last year. His case has been raised by Ireland at senior level both bilaterally and jointly with EU partners. Our Ambassador in India has raised the issue at senior level in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Ireland also joined with EU partners in raising this case. The EU recently held a High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights with India in which both sides exchanged views on strengthening human rights in various areas.
Our Embassy in New Delhi joined other EU Member States in raising this case with the National Human Rights Commission of India, expressing concern about the conditions of his detention, given the age and health profile of the human rights defender, and raising the possibility of his release on humanitarian grounds.
As you will appreciate, the promotion of human rights, including the protection of human rights defenders, is a priority of Ireland’s foreign policy. In light of his advanced years and the spread of COVID-19 in the vicinity of the prison, Ireland expects the Indian authorities to have special regard for the health and wellbeing of Fr. Swamy during his detention. In its international human rights commitments, India has undertaken to have full respect for the rule of law, including the presumption of innocence.
Our Embassy will continue to monitor developments in this case, notably the bail proceedings currently before the courts.