Irfan Mehraj
Irfan Mehraj | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kashmir, India |
| Education | M.A (Mass communication) |
| Alma mater | University of Kashmir |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist and Human rights defender |
Irfan Mehraj is an Indian journalist and human rights activist from Kashmir.[1] He works with Deutsche Welle and also writes for various publications like The Indian Express, TRT World, The Wire, The Caravan, Himal Southasian and NewArab. Irfan has specially written about the challenges facing the Muslim community in Kashmir. He was the Editor of Two Circles and the founding editor of Wande Magazine.[2][3][4]
Early life[edit]
Meraj was born at Kashmir, India. Mehraj successfully obtained his master's degree in mass communication and journalism from the esteemed University of Kashmir.[5][6][7]
Detention[edit]
On March 20, 2023, He was apprehended by the National Investigation Agency in Srinagar after being summoned for questioning. The NIA alleged that Mehraj was affiliated with the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, a human rights organization renowned for documenting instances of human rights violations perpetrated by authorities in Kashmir,[8] a region predominantly inhabited by Muslims. In connection with the same case, the NIA had previously detained Khurram Parvez, human rights activist and leader of JKCCS, on charges of financing terrorist activities.[9][10][11]
Condemnations[edit]
Many organizations and political leaders had condemned the Indian government on Irfan's arrest. Amnesty International had requested the Indian authorities to immediately release Irfan.[12]
Mehbooba Mufti the leader of the PDP, has also voiced her disapproval of Mehraj's arrest. In a Facebook post, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticized the arrest, stating that in Kashmir, criminals are allowed to roam freely while journalists like Irfan Mehraj, who are simply doing their duty by speaking the truth, are unjustly detained. The Press Club of India (PCI) also condemned Mehraj's arrest,[13] emphasizing their strong opposition to the imposition of UAPA on media personnel. They expressed concern over the NIA's sudden arrest of Irfan Mehraj under the UAPA law, viewing it as a clear indication of the law's misuse to suppress freedom of speech and expression. The PCI demanded his immediate release.[14][15]
References[edit]
- ^ "NIA court takes cognisance in alleged terror-funding case against human rights defender Irfan Mehraj – The Leaflet". theleaflet.in. 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ Al Jazeera Staff. "India arrests Kashmiri journalist amid ongoing media crackdown". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ "Kashmiri freelance journalist arrested by NIA worked with human rights group JKCCS". The Indian Express. 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ "The Work of Irfan Mehraj, a Fearless Journalist Who Offered Fresh Perspectives on Kashmir". The Wire. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ "NIA Arrests Kashmiri Journalist Irfan Mehraj in Case Related to Alleged 'Terror Funding' by NGO". NewsClick. 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ PTI. "NGO terror funding case: Court sends Khurram Parvez, Irfan Mehraj to 10-day NIA custody". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ "NIA arrests Kashmir journalist in 'terror funding' case". Newslaundry. 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ "NIA arrests Kashmir journalist in terror funding case, Mehbooba Mufti reacts". India Today. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ "Asked to stop by "for five minutes," Kashmiri reporter now facing possible life imprisonment | RSF". rsf.org. 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ "Court sends Irfan Mehraj to 10-day NIA custody". Muslim Mirror. 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ ലേഖകൻ, മാധ്യമം (2023-03-21). "കശ്മീരി മാധ്യമപ്രവർത്തകൻ ഇർഫാൻ മെഹ്രാജിനെ എന്.ഐ.എ അറസ്റ്റ് ചെയ്തു | Madhyamam". www.madhyamam.com (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ Bharathi, Vartha. "Press Club of India demands immediate release of Irfan Mehraj". english.varthabharati.in. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ "Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj held under UAPA". The Siasat Daily. 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ "India: Authorities must immediately release Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj". Amnesty International. 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
- ^ "इरफान मेहराज को NIA ने किया गिरफ्तार, पत्रकार संस्थाओं ने की आलोचना". www.satyahindi.com. Retrieved 2024-01-27.