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Journalism of Courage
A few pending cases today stalled the release of Peter Bleach, serving a life term in Alipur Central Jail for his role in the Purulia armsdrop case.
A high-level British delegation led by Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, Andrew Hall, spent the entire day haggling with officials over Bleach8217;s release. But they returned disappointed.
8216;8216;We had thought a decree from the President of India, granting the release of Peter Bleach would be enough to secure his freedom. But things proved otherwise and there were a lot of legalities involved,8217;8217; a British High Commission spokesperson said.
The Presidential assent to Bleach8217;s release had reached the state government late last evening. There are several cases concerning Bleach, one of which was lodged by him. A state government official said there was a review petition filed by Bleach regarding 8216;8216;judicial discrimination8217;8217; after the five Latvian crew were ordered to be released by the President.
There was another case filed by Bleach8217;s associate in Delhi HC on why shouldn8217;t Bleach be granted 8216;8216;identical remission8217;8217; that was granted to the Latvians. Another case was lodged by prison authorities as Bleach allegedly assaulted a jail employee on November 7, 2002.
Chief Secretary Ashok Gupta said the Union Home Ministry was contacted as the earlier order did not mention anything about pending cases.
