Jailed human-rights activist works for peace

Dr. Binayak Sen is a public heath specialist, and national Vice-President of the People's Union for Civil Liberties in the Chhattisgarh state of India. He has won awards for his promotion of human rights and has helped poor people in India maintain health care.

On May 14, 2007 Dr. Binayak Sen was arrested on charges of supporting the Maoist party (for drawing attention to the unlawful killing of several indigenous tribal people in his region).

Now, nearly a year and half later, Sen is still working for peace from prison. He said his first desire is to be reunited with his family. But after that?

"Salwa Judum has to end. It has created a split in the tribal community. It will take a long time for the rift to heal," Sen said. "Third, establishing peace should be the first priority. I think we need to work to bring all parties to the negotiating table. It is the first thing I will work towards after I get out of here."

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