Kashmir journalist Fahad Shah, editor of the news portal ‘Kashmir Walla’ who was granted interim bail by a local court on Saturday in a UAPA case, was “re-arrested” in another case in south Kashmir.
Fahad Shah was arrested on 04 February, at the Pulwama police station, where he had been summoned for questioning. The first information report states that Shah is being investigated for alleged sedition and making statements causing public mischief, and unlawful activities under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Prior to his arrest, police had questioned Shah regarding The Kashmir Walla’s coverage of a gunfight between government forces and militants.
Two weeks ago, Committee to Protect Journalists along with 58 other press freedom organisations wrote a letter to the Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir asking for the immediate release of Fahad Shah.
Earlier in the day, Umair Ronga, lawyer of Shah tweeted: “The majesty of law has been upheld; the Special Court designated under the NIA act admitted to interim bail. The administration couldn’t dominate maliciously, while the judiciary rescued him courageously. Thank you for the support from every corner and everyone.”
“The police said he was being shifted to the Shopian police station,” one of the associates of Shah told The Hindu on the condition of anonymity.
Journalists in The Valley said that Shah has been arrested in a case registered against him at police station Imam Sahib Shopian district.
