The protests against Dr Binayak Sen's jailing under charges of sedition seem to be gaining momentum globally. A journal with 'letters of hope' from activists around the world calling for Sen's immediate release was made public on January 30, Martyrs' Day.

The journal was released by the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), the world’s largest anti-poverty network in 130 countries.

Amitabh Behar, GCAP global co-chair said, “The Journal of Hope, provides support and strength for Dr Sen, in the voices of other human rights activists from across the world who have also faced repression and intimidation in the course of their work.”

He added, “It’s release on January 30, which marks the martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi, coincides with worldwide protests being organized for the release of Dr. Sen - and is part of GCAP’s commitment to act in defence of our democratic spaces.” 

The Bolivian chapter of GCAP has also nominated Dr Sen for the Right Livelihood Award widely known as the 'Alternative Nobel Prize'.

“On behalf of professionals and health workers of Bolivia...we hope that the nomination of Dr Binayak Sen (to the Right Livelihood Award) is taken into account and helps contribute to an early release, ending the injustice...” said Prof Oscar Lanza of GCAP Bolivia.

Another activist from Ethiopia, Netsanet Belay wrote, “My only hope is that his case will persuade India’s decision makers to take concrete steps to address the growing brazenness with which narrow political interests are subverting the rule of law, spawning multiple insurgencies and law and order problems in the country.

International social activists like Kumi Naidoo (executive director of Greenpeace International and GCAP ambassador), Marta Benavides (recipient of the Woman Peacemaker Prize and GCAP global co-chair), Netsanet Belay (policy and research director of Civicus) contributed to the journal. 

“All around the world we are with you in your noble and courageous struggle for justice.” writes Kumi Naidoo of South Africa.

The global social activists have also launched online campaigns on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to highlight the injustice meted out to Dr Sen. A coalition of 55 civil society groups from the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada and other countries demanded Dr Sen's immediate release.

The online signature campaign in form of a petition posted on www.petitiononline.com has attracted more than ten thousands petitioners from all over the world.