GENEVA: The arrest and detention of Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez have an alarming impact on rights activists, civil society, and journalists in the whole region, UN experts said in a warning on Tuesday.
The body reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional release of Parvez from the custody of the Indian Government.
UN experts issue statement for the human rights activist
In a statement issued by the UN experts, it is stated that the UN is shocked at the continuous deprivation of liberty rights for Mr. Parvez. It is catalyzing to become retaliation against a human rights defender and activist, Mr. Parvez.
Parvez is known for his renowned work for documenting and reporting serious human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and illegal killings in Indian-Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, IIOJ&K, added by UN experts on the one-year anniversary following Mr. Parvez’s detention.
Khurram Parvez arrested on fabricated charges
Parvez was arrested on fabricated terrorism and other charges on 22 November 2021. Parvez was presented before a court in Delhi on 30 November and 4 December 2021, respectively. Indian court decided to transfer the custody of Mr. Parvez from National Investigation Agency (NIA) to judicial custody.
Parvez faced five times extended detention under the NIA Special Court in New Delhi under Section 43D(2)(b) of the so-called Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) of the Indian Government.
Concerns of UN Experts
Experts said, “We recall our significant concerns about the amendment of the legislation applied to Mr. Parvez, which refers to the status of any person as a terrorist.
Denying the requirement to create an association of an individual with banned terrorist organizations, and its implementation as coercion means against civil society, the media, Journalists and human rights defenders in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.”
UN experts once again encouraged a process of independent review of the politically based legislation to follow international best practices in the context of the usage of counter-terrorism law and to present the controversial legislation in connection with India’s obligations under international humanitarian law IHL.
Indian illegal detention and UAPA
UN experts said that the case of Human Rights Activist and Civil Society worker of Indian Illegal Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K) Khurram Parvez’s arrest, prolonged detention under the UAPA has created the worst impact on civil society workers, human rights defenders, and journalists, and on their efforts.
We urge the Government of India to end the reprisals, intimidation, and human rights violations of activists and civil society organizations, including those individuals like Mr. Parvez., UN experts said in a statement.
Human Rights Activist of Kashmir, Parvez, has earned information and evidence on Indian human rights violations with UN-mandated human rights bodies and organizations, United Nations experts added.
UN on Human Rights Activists Khurram Fate
Khurram Parvez is currently in Indian detention at the Indian Capital, New Delhi’s Rohini Jail Complex.
UN experts say that if Parvaiz is convicted, he could face up to 14 years of imprisonment, or there are chances of the death penalty for Parvaiz.
IIOJ&K’s Parvaiz will face the next and fifth hearing, scheduled on 24 November 2022.
UN Experts Committee Members
Mary Lawlor, who is a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Morris Tidball-Binz, a Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions. Fionnuala Ní Aoláin; Gabriella Citroni (Vice-Chair), Aua Baldé (Chair-Rapporteur), Luciano Hazan, Grazyna Baranowska, Angkhana Neelapaijit, Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances. — APP
