By Muslim Mirror Desk
Kashmiri journalist Asif Sultan, one of first media professionals booked under a stringent anti-terror law, was released from jail on Tuesday after being incarcerated for over five years.
He was released on Tuesday following a delay of over two months after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court quashed his detention due to procedural lapses.
In a significant development, a Kashmiri journalist who had been detained under a stringent anti-terror law for five years has been released from prison. The release marks the end of a prolonged legal battle and has sparked discussions about the implications of the anti-terror law on freedom of the press and expression in the region.
The journalist, whose name has not been disclosed in the initial reports, was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a controversial anti-terror law in India. The UAPA gives authorities broad powers to detain individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activities, often raising concerns about potential misuse and violations of civil liberties.
The journalist’s release comes after years of legal proceedings and appeals challenging the grounds of detention and the application of the UAPA in this particular case. The exact details of the charges against the journalist remain unclear, as the nature of the accusations and the evidence presented during the trial have not been fully disclosed.
Human rights organizations and press freedom advocates have raised concerns about the use of anti-terror laws to stifle dissent and curb freedom of expression. Critics argue that such laws, while intended to address legitimate security concerns, can be misused to target journalists, activists, and political dissenters. The release of the Kashmiri journalist is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the balance between national security and the protection of civil liberties.
The case also brings attention to the situation in Kashmir, a region with a long-standing history of political unrest and conflict. The media environment in Kashmir has often been challenging, with journalists facing various pressures, including threats, harassment, and arrests. The release of the journalist may prompt a reevaluation of the use of anti-terror laws in the region and their impact on press freedom. ( With Agency Inputs )