CPJ condemns arrest of journalist in IIOJK

An independent media watchdog commonly known as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed concerns over the arrest of journalist Sajad Gul in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Gul, who has been contributing to various publications and recently joined The Kashmir Walla, was charged under sedition charges days after he posted a video of his family members protesting against the killing of their relative by the Indian occupation forces in Srinagar.

“CPJ is deeply disturbed by reports that the Kashmiri journalist was arrested days after posting a video of a protest on social media,” the CPJ’s Asia chapter said in a tweet.

It also demanded IIOJK authorities to “immediately release Gul and drop their investigations related to his journalistic work”.

Gul’s family member told The Kashmir Walla that he was detained in an occupation forces’ raid on January 5 and was later handed over to the police.

“He was detained by the Army on Wednesday at 10:00 pm and at around midnight we came to know that he is under police custody,” said Gul’s brother. “Today we were informed that the first investigation report [FIR] has been lodged against him [Sajad Gul],” he said.

A police officer confirmed that a case has been registered against Gul and he is under custody.

Meanwhile, the editor-in-chief of The Kashmir Walla, Fahad Shah has also condemned the police action and demanded Gul’s immediate release

“We strongly condemn the action by the police and demand immediate release of him [Gul],” Shah said.