ISLAMABAD: In seminar held on sidelines of 55th session of United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), speakers hailing from various backgrounds expressed grave concerns over India’s misuse of its judiciary to suppress political dissent in disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Seminar hosted by Community Human Rights and Advocacy Centre was addressed by noted international law experts including advocate Ahmer Bilal Sofi, Barrister Tanvir, Altaf Hussain Wani Ronald Brones, while Muzammil Thakur moderated penal, press release said received from Geneva.

While shedding light on denial of fair trials to Kashmiri prisoners, panalists raised serious doubts about impartiality of Indian judiciary. Referring to Article 10 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UDHR and Geneva Convention, speakers said, “As per these international covenants, every prisoner is entitled to an impartial and public hearing when his or her rights are at stake.”

They asserted that right to fair trial, recognised as fundamental human right internationally, forms an essential pillar of justice and democracy. Underlining the dire situation faced by Kashmiri prisoners languishing in various jails in and outside of Kashmir, speakers lamented denial of fair trials to political activists, human rights defenders and civil society activists in Kashmir. They denounced Indian government for arresting Hurriyat leaders, rights defenders and civil society activists and subjecting them to prolong imprisonment without adequate opportunities to defend themselves in court of law.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 21 2024

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