Kashmiri journalist and human rights defender Irfan Mehraj has completed two years in detention, prompting renewed calls for his immediate release. Mehraj, known for his investigative reporting and commitment to human rights, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 20, 2023, under charges related to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The Journalist Federation Kashmir (JFK) has condemned Mehraj’s prolonged detention, emphasizing that it poses a significant threat to press freedom in the region. In a recent statement, JFK highlighted Mehraj’s dedication to journalism and human rights, asserting that his imprisonment undermines democratic principles.
Mehraj’s arrest has drawn widespread criticism from international human rights organizations. Amnesty International and other civil society groups have labeled his detention as arbitrary, calling for his immediate and unconditional release. They argue that his arrest is part of a broader crackdown on journalists and human rights defenders in Kashmir.
Prior to his arrest, Mehraj contributed to various national and international media outlets, including Deutsche Welle, The Caravan, and Himal Magazine. He also served as the founding editor of Wande Magazine and was associated with the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), a prominent human rights organization.
Despite his incarceration, Mehraj was honored with the Human Rights and Religious Freedom Journalism Award in 2024 for his impactful reporting on the heroin epidemic in Kashmir.
The United Nations and various human rights organizations continue to express concern over Mehraj’s detention, viewing it as an attempt to suppress independent journalism and human rights advocacy in the region. They urge the Indian government to release Mehraj and ensure a free and fair environment for journalists in Kashmir.
Mehraj remains incarcerated in Rohini Prison, New Delhi, as calls for his release intensify globally.
