Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay and CBCI President

We are deeply saddened at the passing away of Fr. Stan Swamy. We give thanks to God for Fr. Stan’s life and commitment to the poor indigenous people and their struggles. We are happy that Fr. Stan received the best medical attention at Holy Family Hospital, Bandra and passed away with dignity. 
Fr. Stan’s arrest was very painful. Under the Indian criminal law, one is innocent until proved guilty. Fr. Stan’s case did not even come up for hearing. We were eagerly waiting for the case to be taken up and the truth to come out. 
Fr. Stan worked tirelessly for the under-privileged and downtrodden, giving them a sense of dignity and upliftment. I witnessed his dedication to the exploited tribals. This work had its own challenges, but Fr. Stan worked single-mindedly for the poor. 
I do hope that the truth will come out soon and his name will be cleared of all criminal conspiracy. We pray that God reward him for his good work. May his soul rest in peace.

Liz Throssell, spokeswoman for the Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights 

We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the death of 84-year-old Father Stan Swamy. High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet and the UN’s independent experts have repeatedly raised the cases of Father Stan and 15 other human rights defenders associated with the same events with the government of India over the past three years, and urged their release from pre-trial detention. The high commissioner has also raised concerns over the use of the UAPA in relation to human rights defenders – a law Father Stan was challenging before Indian courts days before he died.

Archbishop Felix Toppo of Ranchi & Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, Auxiliary Bishop

We are deeply grieved to learn of the death of Fr Stan Swamy, a champion of tribal rights, a fighter for justice and a symbol of courage. The fact that this sick man suffering from Parkinson disease was arrested at the age of 84 refused bail for over 7 months, not even allowed a sipper and finally contracted COVID in jail itself is a sad reflection on those who got the innocent man arrested and the courts that refused to give him bail. As human beings we stand weak and helpless before our cruel justice system. 
The caged parrot now sings in heaven but its blood is on our hands. May the hand of God intervene to bring justice to all innocent victims of insensitivity, vindictiveness and injustice. We have lost Fr Stan Swamy but we still hope in the God of justice. May God grant him eternal reward. Rest in peace Fr Stan. You have fought a good fight. You have finished the race. You have kept the faith. The Lord will award you the crown of righteousness.

Rajdeep Sardesai, Leading Television Anchor

Absolutely tragic: Father Stan Swamy has passed away. Court which was hearing his bail has been informed. An 84-year-old arrested under UAPA by a mighty Indian state that saw him a ‘terrorist’ because he had spent a lifetime working amongst tribals. Cry for Stan India! RIP

Editorial, The Hindu

A death that was simply allowed to happen despite being foretold by his deteriorating health in prison will weigh on the country’s collective conscience for long. His age and frailty drew no sympathy from either the prosecuting agency or the trial court, which clung to the state narrative of there being grounds to believe that he was part of a Maoist plot to overthrow the government.

All India Catholic Union 

In life and in his martyrdom, Father Stan Swamy has become a beacon for all who struggle for human rights, especially the rights of the tribals and other marginalized people, and a role model for young men and women across the nation.

Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati, President, North East India Regional Bishops’ Council

Father Swamy’s death has shaken the confidence of society in our justice system and tarnished the image of the country at the international level.

Mehbooba Mufti, leader of PDP and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir 

Deeply disturbed. A ruthless and callous government that deprived him of dignity even while he was alive has blood on its hands. Absolutely shocked and appalled. May his soul rest in peace.
 
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP and former UN Under-Secretary General 

A man of God whom our government could not treat with humanity. Deeply saddened as an Indian. RIP. 

Barkha Dutt, Renowned Journalist

The death of ageing, infirm #stanswamy subverting even the bail not jail principle. Pause and consider how callous our system can be.

Siddharth Varadarajan, Editor of The Wire

If ever there was a death foretold, it was #StanSwamy’s. The NIA knew. The BJP leaders directing them knew. Others too. All will go down in infamy. But they should apply for bravery medals and Padma Bhushans while they can.

Indian Catholic Press Association 

In Fr. Stan, the marginalized sections had found their saviour. Now the poor are left poorer in his absence. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ and a true Indian who was passionate about securing justice for all, especially the last and the least, as visualised and assured in our Constitution. In his heroic sufferings and virtual martyrdom he has emerged stronger and more relevant.     

Hemant Soren, Jharkhand Chief Minister

Shocked to learn about the demise of Father Stan Swamy. He dedicated his life working for tribal rights. I had strongly opposed his arrest & incarceration. The Union Government should be answerable for absolute apathy & non-provision of timely medical services, leading to his death.

Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala CM

Deeply saddened by the passing of Fr. Stan Swamy. Unjustifiable that a man who fought all through his life for our society's most downtrodden had to die in custody. Such travesty of justice should have no place in our democracy. Heartfelt condolences!

Rahul Gandhi

Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Father Stan Swamy. He deserved justice and humaneness.

Priyanka Gandhi

A humble tribute to Father Stan Swamy. How unfortunate that a person who served the poor and tribals throughout his life and became the voice of human rights, he was denied justice and human rights even in the hour of death.

Sitaram Yechury

Deeply pained & outraged at the death of Father Stan Swamy. A Jesuit priest & social activist he tirelessly helped the marginalised. Draconian UAPA custody, inhuman treatment since October 2020 with no charge established. Accountability must be fixed for this murder in custody.

Prashant Bhushan, Civil Rights Lawyer

This is nothing less than murder by the State of one of the gentlest & kindest men I have known. Unfortunately our judicial system is also complicit in this.

Rana Ayyub, Journalist

Father Stan Swamy, we as a country killed you. My head hangs in shame. Rest in peace Father, hero, champion of human rights.