Last updated:
20 March 2026 marked the third anniversary of the pretrial detention of Irfan Mehraj, a freelance journalist and editor-in-chief of the Kashmiri online outlet Wande Magazine. Arrested by India's counterterrorism National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Srinagar on charges RSF describes as "trumped up," Mehraj now faces possible life imprisonment under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act (UAPA) of 2019. Reporters Without Borders is calling for his immediate release and the dismissal of all charges.
A Neverending Legal Process
Irfan Mehraj was arrested in March 2023 and transferred from Kashmir to New Delhi, where he has been held at the Rohini prison complex — far from his family, who are permitted to visit him only once every six months. The charges include "sedition" and "financing terrorism." The legal documents list multiple offences under the UAPA, a law that allows for extended pretrial detention and has been widely criticised for its broad and vague provisions.
After spending six months in pretrial detention — the maximum normally permitted under the UAPA — the NIA filed a last-minute indictment based on undisclosed evidence two days before the deadline expired. In spring 2024, Mehraj's lawyers began arguing for bail after obtaining heavily redacted case documents. Since then, four different judges have presided over the case, each time forcing defence lawyers to restart their arguments. Repeated adjournments requested by the NIA have extended the case indefinitely. A hearing on March 18, 2026 again produced no decision; the next is scheduled for April 6.
Anti-terrorism laws must never be used to repress and criminalise journalism. For Irfan Mehraj — whose bail application still hasn't been ruled on by the court after three absurd years of pretrial detention — the legal proceedings themselves serve as punishment.
Célia Mercier, Head of RSF's South Asia Desk
Kashmir and Press Freedom
Press freedom has deteriorated significantly in Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019, when India unilaterally revoked the region's autonomous status. The number of detained journalists has surged, as has the use of the UAPA and other security legislation against media workers. Internet shutdowns, raids on newsrooms, and threats against journalists have created a climate of pervasive self-censorship.
Wande Magazine, the online outlet Mehraj edited, reported on human rights conditions in Kashmir, a subject the Indian authorities treat with increasing sensitivity. From his cell, Mehraj continues to maintain his innocence: "I remain hopeful. I am innocent and I believe that my innocence will prevail over the absurd and completely false charges brought against me in the very near future."
RSF's Demands
Reporters Without Borders is calling on Indian authorities to immediately release Irfan Mehraj, dismiss all charges, and end the abusive use of the UAPA against journalists. RSF is also calling for guarantees that journalists in Kashmir and across India can work freely and independently without fear of arbitrary detention or prosecution under counterterrorism legislation.
Need an expert witness report for your case?
Our country experts provide independent reports for asylum and immigration cases in the UK, US, Canada, and EU.
Order an expert witness report |
Find a country expert witness |
About our expert team
