Kashmir editor released from jail after 600 days of imprisonment
Shah, the founding editor of The Kashmir Walla, an independent news outlet in Indian-administered Kashmir,faced charges related to publishing "anti-national content."
His arrest in February 2022 sparked concerns about declining press freedoms in the region. Critics argue that cases like Shah's underscore the tightening control of the Indian government on Kashmir since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision in 2019 to revoke the region's special status and reorganise it into two union territories under direct rule from New Delhi.
In its recent bail order, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh highlighted that the newly established Special Investigation Agency (SIA) lacked sufficient evidence against Fahad Shah. Specifically, the court pointed out the inadequacy of proof to substantiate charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a stringent anti-terrorism law.
Shah faced accusations of "glorifying terrorism" and "spreading fake news" for publishing an article by Abdul Aala Fazili, a pharmacy student at the University of Kashmir. Fazili's piece reportedly discussed the Indian "occupation" and advocated for freedom in the region. Both Shah and Fazili were arrested, Fazili remains in jail.
Related
Court suspends analogue switch-off date, ruling calls set date "irrational" 1 day The evolving battle over social media moderation: Free speech vs regulation 25 Mar 2025 BBC News takes full responsibility for Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone shortcomings 3 Mar 2025 Newly launched Free Expression Legal Network to increase protection for media freedom 21 Feb 2025 Veteran journalist Paddy Harper honoured by colleagues and leaders 27 Jan 2025 EXCLUSIVE: Meta's farewell to fact-checking; 6 recommendations for brands 17 Jan 2025
