February 29, 2024Kashmiri journalist Asif Sultan breathed the air of freedom on Tuesday as he was released from the Ambedkar Nagar district jail in Uttar Pradesh. Sultan had been detained for over five years, sparking concerns about press freedom and human rights in the region.Sultan’s release comes approximately 78 days after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court invalidated the detention order imposed on him under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA). The court’s decision to quash the detention order was seen as a significant victory for Sultan and a reaffirmation of the importance of upholding civil liberties.Asif Sultan, a prominent journalist known for his work covering the tumultuous situation in Kashmir, had been detained since August 2018. His arrest had drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and media watchdogs, who raised concerns about the suppression of free speech and the targeting of journalists in conflict zones.During his time in detention, Sultan’s case garnered international attention, with advocates calling for his immediate release and highlighting the need to protect journalists’ rights to report freely and without fear of reprisal.Following his release, Sultan expressed gratitude to those who had supported him throughout his ordeal and reiterated his commitment to continue his journalistic work fearlessly.Sultan’s case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists operating in conflict zones and the importance of safeguarding press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.Asif Sultan’s release marks a significant moment for press freedom in Kashmir and sends a message about the resilience of journalists in the face of adversity. While his journey to freedom has been long and arduous, Sultan’s determination to uphold the principles of journalism remains unwavering as he resumes his work in the pursuit of truth and justice.
Kashmiri Journalist Asif Sultan Released After Over Five Years in Detention
