India frees disabled academic jailed for Maoist links

On September 6, 2021, India’s Supreme Court ordered the release of disabled academic Dr. G.N Saibaba, who had been jailed for alleged links to Maoist rebels.

Dr. Saibaba, who is wheelchair-bound and suffers from post-polio paralysis, was serving a life sentence for alleged Maoist links. He was arrested in 2014 and convicted in 2017.

The Supreme Court’s decision to release Dr. Saibaba came after years of international pressure and calls for his freedom, citing concerns about his health and the lack of evidence against him.

Dr. Saibaba’s case has been a focal point for campaigners advocating for the rights of disabled individuals and highlighting the government’s crackdown on dissent in India.

His release has been welcomed by human rights organizations and activists around the world as a victory for justice and human rights.