Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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139. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if an investigation has been undertaken by his Department in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34438/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of this case concerning the arrest of a human rights defender in India who is currently detained in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The promotion of human rights, including the protection of human rights defenders, is a priority of Ireland’s foreign policy. Our Embassy in New Delhi has been engaged on the matter including with the EU Delegation. The EU Delegation has contacted the National Human Rights Commission of India to enquire about the conditions of the detention of this human rights defender, and raised the possibility of his release on humanitarian grounds given his age and the risks posed by COVID-19 in prison. Regrettably, an application for bail on health grounds was rejected by a court on 23 October based on the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The Embassy will continue to monitor developments in this case. We expect the authorities in India to have due regard for his health and well-being during his detention and to fully respect the rule of law including the presumption of innocence.