Swiss national arrested for attending Maoist meet

Thrissur (Kerala), July 29 (IANS) The Kerala Police have arrested a Swiss national, Jonathan Clode, and charged him under the Foreigners Act for attending a Maoist meet, a senior police official said Tuesday.

Speaking to IANS, Thrissur rural superintendent of police N. Vijaykumar said Clode, 24, and his partner Valerie Celine arrived in India July 1. Their tourist visa is valid till Sep 16.

"He (Clode) arrived in Kerala a few days back and came to Thrissur from Kannur yesterday (Monday). He then took part in a commemoration meeting of a Maoist, Sinoj, who hails from here and died in the Andhra Pradesh forests some time back. At the meeting, Clode even spoke. He also took part in a CPI-M meeting in Kozhikode to protest against the Gaza bombings. As per visa rules, a foreigner is forbidden from taking part in such meetings," said Vijaykumar.

"At the Kozhikode meeting, Clode is reported to have introduced himself as Mathew and said he is from France.

"Our officials are questioning him. At times, he speaks in French and in English and appears to be hiding information. We are seeking his remand and will produce him before a magistrate," said Vijaykumar.

Clode told police he is interested in Leftist thoughts and is an ardent follower of Subhash Chandra Bose.

The police, however, have not taken any action against Celine, even though she was picked up for questioning.