CPJ Expresses Concern Over Incarcerated Journalist Aasif Sultan’s Health

“After nearly four years in Jail and no criminal conviction, it’s time for Indian authorities to set Sultan free.”

SRINAGAR — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed deep concern about the health of Kashmiri journalist Aasif Sultan imprisoned in central Jail Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Steven Butler, the Asia Program Coordinator at Committee to Protect Journalists, in a Tweet said, “After nearly four years in Jail and no criminal conviction, it’s time for Indian authorities to set Sultan free.”

As per the Committee, Aasif Sultan was transferred from a prison in Jammu and Kashmir to Ambedkar Nagar Central Jail in Agra, Uttar Pradesh and the area is currently “experiencing a record heatwave and power outages”.

Aasif was arrested by police on 27 August 2018. Last month, when the journalist was granted bail after four years, he was arrested again and booked under Public Safety Act (PSA).

Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, Rakesh Bhalwal last month said that Aasif has been booked under PSA and shifted to Kot Bhalwal jail in the Jammu.