FIACONA Strongly Condemns the Release of Mahendra Hembram

Washington, D.C. – April 23, 2025

The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation over the recent release of Mahendra Hembram, one of the individuals convicted in the brutal 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons. This heinous act—where the Staines family was burned alive while sleeping in their vehicle—shocked the conscience of the global community and remains a grim reminder of the perils of religious intolerance.

Hembram’s release from Keonjhar Jail in Odisha, after serving just 25 years of his sentence on the grounds of “good behavior,” is both alarming and deeply troubling. While legal mechanisms provided to Odisha State Sentence Review Board may allow such decisions, this case warrants far greater scrutiny. The nature of the crime demands a firm and principled stance on justice, not leniency that diminishes the severity of the act.

FIACONA views this release as a serious affront to justice, an insult to the memory of the Staines family, and a disturbing signal to the global community regarding the treatment of crimes rooted in religious hatred. The premature release of a perpetrator of such an egregious, premeditated act of violence undermines the rule of law and the safety of vulnerable religious minorities.

We are particularly concerned about the broader implications of this decision, especially amid ongoing campaigns to secure the release of Dara Singh, the prime convict in the case who remains incarcerated. FIACONA strongly opposes any effort to further mitigate sentences for such crimes, which risk normalizing impunity for religious violence.

This was not just a criminal act—it was an attack on religious freedom, human dignity, and the values of a just society. FIACONA calls on the Odisha State Government and the Indian judiciary to reconsider this decision immediately and reaffirm their commitment to upholding justice, accountability, and human rights.

We urge Indian authorities to ensure that future decisions involving such grave offenses prioritize justice over expediency, the rights and dignity of victims’ families, and the safety of religious minorities over political or procedural convenience.

FIACONA stands in solidarity with the Staines family, with victims of religious persecution across India, and with all those who seek a world grounded in peace, justice, and respect for human dignity.

Contact: pro@fiacona.org or president@fiacona.org