Prepared by: Human Rights TV Editorial Team
New Delhi – Human Rights TV
An Indian court has granted bail to independent journalist Irfan Mehraj and prominent human rights defender Khurram Parvez after years of detention under terrorism-related charges, allegations both men have consistently denied. The decision allows their release under judicial conditions while legal proceedings against them continue.
Khurram Parvez, a well-known human rights activist in Kashmir, was arrested in 2021, while journalist Irfan Mehraj was detained in 2023 during an investigation conducted by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). Authorities accuse them of supporting unlawful activities through a civil society organization, whereas their lawyers and international human rights organizations argue that the case is directly linked to their documentation of human rights violations in Kashmir.
The court’s decision comes amid continuing international scrutiny of civil liberties, freedom of expression, and the operating environment for journalists and human rights defenders in Indian-administered Kashmir, particularly following the constitutional changes introduced in the region in 2019.
Human Rights Perspective
International human rights standards recognize freedom of expression, independent journalism, and human rights advocacy as fundamental rights that must be protected. While governments may investigate alleged criminal offenses, any restrictions on journalists or human rights defenders must comply with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and the right to a fair trial.
Sources
- Associated Press (AP)
- Court documents
- International human rights organizations
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