A coalition of international human rights organizations has called for the release of Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj, marking the third anniversary of his arrest by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). Nearly three dozen organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, argue that Mehraj’s detention is rooted in politically motivated charges linked to his work on human rights issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
The case, they assert, is part of a broader pattern of increasing pressure on journalists and researchers addressing sensitive issues in the region. This situation also highlights the detention of Khurram Parvez, coordinator of the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, detained since 2021. Mehraj’s alleged association with Parvez has been used against him, adding weight to the charges he faces (Jurist).
Amidst these developments, the coalition has urged the Indian government to stop what they describe as reprisals against journalists and human rights defenders. They have criticized India for its use of laws that permit extended detention without trial, such as the Public Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Mehraj was charged under the UAPA, which is commonly employed in terrorism-related cases. The act allows for extended detention during investigations while incorporating criminal conspiracy charges under the Indian Penal Code (HRW).
At the heart of these events lies the decision in August 2019 to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that has arguably escalated tensions in the region. Following the decision, thousands were detained, though many have since been released. There have been issues related to detainees being transferred to prisons outside Kashmir, challenging families and lawyers in maintaining contact and raising concerns about prison conditions and access to medical care (Al Jazeera).
The coalitions have called on the international community to stay vigilant and encourage greater press freedom and civil liberties in Jammu and Kashmir. Ongoing attention from global institutions is deemed essential to maintain these freedoms and uphold basic civil rights, per their recommendations.