CPI seeks release of ‘political prisoners’ languishing in jails for years

CPI Andhra Pradesh secretary G. Eswaraiah has urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to order a review of cases involving persons who have been in prolonged judicial custody in various prisons in the State on charges arising from political and public movements, and take steps to release those eligible under law.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Mr. Eswaraiah said several persons arrested while campaigning on political, social and public issues had been in prison for years. He said though the Constitution did not recognise a separate legal status called “political prisoner,” the government should consider issues concerning such detainees in the light of justice, human rights and constitutional values.

He said Dalits, Adivasis, members of people's organisations, democratic activists and social activists were among those facing cases under stringent laws, and alleged that some had been in custody for prolonged periods while their trials continued.