London protestors seek end to Binayak Sen's incarceration

Two years after he was thrown into prison for alleged anti-state activities, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London to protest the incarceration of activist Dr Binayak Sen.

Hundreds from diverse backgrounds converged at the India House in central London to raise the issue of Sen's imprisonment. He has now spent two years in jail under a sweeping state anti terror law for alleged anti state activities.

Says activist Amrit Wilson: "His health is deteriorating. There are insistent demands that he be released. This is a slur on Indian democracy."

The supporters of Binayak Sen have collected more than a thousand signatures on a petition urging the government to release the man who brought medical treatment and empowerment to the poorest tribals in Chhattisgarh. They tried to meet the High Commissioner to be able to present it to him with no luck.

Says Ramesh Gopalakrishnan of Amnesty International: "They've got some bizarre rule that the security officer will take the petition. We've tried to get an appointment with the High Commissioner but told no."

Sen's supporters say the charges against him are trumped up because he dared to take on Chhattisgarh govt's armed militia Salwa Judum.

Such demonstrations in support of Sen's release are being staged in capitals of several countries across the world to add to the international support and awareness that already exists for his cause.