(UA 165/11) Great News! Environmentalist Released From Jail In India

Ramesh Agrawal, one of the two human rights defenders and environmental rights campaigners who has spent two months in the state of Chhattisgarh, was released on bail on the night of 12 August. He and Dr Harihar Patel had been arrested on false charges on 28 May.

Ramesh Agrawal, who works for the environmental rights organization Jan Chetna, was released on the night of 12 August following a decision by India's Supreme Court. He and Dr Harihar Patel, who practices indigenous medicine, were arrested on 28 May in Raigarh town. They had been actively campaigning against the pollution caused by existing industrial projects and the potential negative environmental impact of proposed industrial projects in central Chhattisgarh, and had raised their concerns in mandatory consultations conducted by the authorities. Thanks to all of those who took action on behalf of Ramesh Agrawal and Dr Harihar Patel. No further appeals from the network are required at present.