Sikh Basic Human Rights revoked in Korean Prison
Posted on July 20, 2009
In 2008, the British based Lloyds list nominated Jasprit Singh Chawla for their “Shipmaster of the Year” award, for his actions during an oil spill in Dec 2007. But in Dec 2008, a Korean court jailed him and his chief officer Syam chetan for those very actions.
Unfortunately Jasprit Singh Chawala cannot eat the prison food as he is a vegetarian and no vegetarian options are available. Since 10th Dec, he has been on rice and water. “Although doctors see him everyday, his health is deterioriating”.Mr Chawla’s basic human rights were not being met by the prison services where he was detained.
SCYS wrote letters to the High Commisions in korea, MPs, and other agencies of authority to provide warm vegetarian food to Mr Chawla so his basic human rights could be met.
On response, we were informed by journalist Kerry Paul that Mr Chawla has been released on bail by the Supreme Court although the convictions still stand.