BRAMPTON, Canada—The following statement was issued by Raj Grewal, Liberal Candidate for Brampton East –
The Liberal Party of Canada is very concerned by reports about the health and condition of Bapu Surat Singh in Punjab, India. Bapu Surat Singh, an 82-year old activist, has been on a hunger strike since this past January calling for the release of prisoners who have completed their sentences but remain imprisoned. It is our understanding that Bapu Surat Singh has now been forced to end his protest, and has been involuntarily relocated away from his home in Hassanpur.
Canadians are worried by reports of the inconsistent treatment of prisoners and are also concerned about the treatment of Bapu Surat Singh. We believe that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy as is the equal application of the rule of law.
The Liberal Party urges Rob Nicholson, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, to bring these concerns to the Government of India, emphasizing that human and legal rights must be respected for all.
-Raj Grewal, Liberal Candidate for Brampton East
