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French-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi (L) and his wife, Aleksandra Mostovaja, attend a press conference in Paris, on October 23, 2023. Behboudi, held in detention since January 2023 and freed on October 18, was one of dozens of journalists subject to opaque arrests for several months at a time. Credit: Julien De Rosa \/ AFP<\/p>\n
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The IFJ documented 86<\/strong> cases of journalists detained or jailed in South Asia from May 2023 to April 2024, an increase from the 76 arrests recorded in the previous reporting period. Challenges to democracy saw the arrests of independent and critical journalists, with security forces continuing to crack down on those seen to align with opposition voices or insurgent groups.<\/p>\n The Taliban\u2019s manipulation of Afghanistan<\/strong>\u2019s media code resulted in the detentions of a staggering 37 journalists over the past 12 months, with 21 journalists and media workers held for less than one week. A slew of arrests occurred throughout August, coinciding with the second anniversary of the Taliban\u2019s ascension to power in 2021. Several journalists were arrested on allegations of disobeying new rules and regulations, with groups of broadcast journalists detained in April, August, and May. The country\u2019s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) remained a central actor in the crackdown on the media, however, the year also saw the emergence of the Taliban\u2019s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice as a cause of journalists detentions, often centred on the broadcasting of women\u2019s voices or music. The year saw the release of jailed French-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi after espionage charges against him were dropped on October 18, while Kyodo News correspondent Ehsanullah Akbari\u2019s detention for his \u2018critical\u2019 reports ended following intervention from a media complaints committee. The conditions and locations of journalists taken into Taliban custody remain difficult to verify, with the communities, colleagues and families of detained journalists often struggling to confirm their wellbeing.<\/p>\n In\u00a0Bangladesh<\/strong>, links to insurgent groups and bureaucratic retribution resulted in the arrests of two journalists. Desh Rupantor<\/em> journalist Md Shofiuzzaman Rana was taken into custody after public servants at a government development project found issue with a Right to Information request. Daily Manab Zamin<\/em> correspondent Longa Khumi was arrested for his alleged links to a militant Kuku-Chin separatist group and remains in custody.<\/p>\n 22 journalists were detained in India<\/strong>, a dramatic increase from the 13 recorded in the prior period. Kashmiri journalists Sajad Gul, Irfan Mehraj, Majid Hyderi, and Aasif Sultan remain in Custody, with Sultan re-arrested in February 2024 days after his release on bail for his alleged role in a 2019 prison disturbance. October saw the raids on staff, contributors, and journalists associated with independent digital outlet NewsClick, with founder and editor Prabir Purkayastha and administrative officer Amit Chakraborty arrested in connection to a controversial New York Times report alleging the outlet received foreign funding to cover pro-China stories. Journalists covering elections, demonstrations and violence were particularly subject to short-term detentions, with some journalists in Manipur held by authorities amid ongoing ethnic violence, crackdowns on coverage seen to be \u2018anti-state\u2019, and arrests for comments and coverage of developing situations.<\/p>\n Nepal <\/strong>saw four arrests in the period, with police conduct central to both their detentions and wellbeing in custody. Nigarani Khabar<\/em> reporter Aishwarya Kunwar and Seemarkha.com editor-in-chief Rajendra Nath were arrested in May 2023 while covering a clash between police and transport workers, with both journalists assaulted in custody. Kunwar and Mountain Television correspondent Pushkar Bhatta was arrested in February for their commentary on police misconduct, centred around an officer responsible for Kunwar\u2019s earlier arrest.<\/p>\n In Pakistan, <\/strong>short-term arrests and detentions continued across the country, with journalists seen to support the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party or its leader Imran Khan arrested, placed under surveillance, or summoned by state inquiries. Several journalists, including Imran Riaz Khan, Khalid Jamil, and Asad Ali Toor were held for months at a time due to state allegations of their involvement in anti-state campaigns. Nine journalists were held for less than 24 hours, often prior to the registration of formal charges.<\/p>\n In Sri Lanka<\/strong>, six journalists were held in detention, a marked increase from the one new case recorded in the previous period. The arrest of freelancer and Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions (FMETU) National Organiser Tharindu Uduwaragedara was the subject of national outrage, after police dragged the journalist out of a rickshaw on July 28 and assaulted him in a custody without charges. Nearly a year on, police have failed to register an official complaint, with the next hearing slated for June 15, 2024. Journalists Bimal Ruhunage, and Dineth Kumara were both arrested for their alleged interference with police operations, while Ravan Lanka News editor and owner GP Nissanka was arrested at his home following a direct complaint from an army officer. TubeTamil journalists Mugunthan Divanya and Wimal Raj remain in detention due to their alleged links to a militant group.<\/p>\n On World Press Freedom Day 2024,14 journalists in South Asia remain behind bars. With challenges to democracy and the fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly and the press come increased threats to media workers across the region. In 2024, this list again demonstrates the distinct need for protection, support, and advocacy against the laws and systems which continue these injustices.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”TOTAL JAILED OR DETAINED BY COUNTRY IN SOUTH ASIA:” admin_label=”Blurb” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-4px||55px|-25px||” animation_style=”fade” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Afghanistan: 37 [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”HIGHEST NUMBER OF DETAINMENT TYPES BY COUNTRY IN SOUTH ASIA:” admin_label=”Blurb” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-4px||55px|-25px||” animation_style=”fade” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Currently in jail: India – 8 cases<\/strong> [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”390px” custom_margin=”29px|auto|12px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px|0px||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”JAILED JOURNALISTS \u2013 CURRENTLY IN JAIL” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f2f2f2″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Name: <\/strong>Habib Rahman Taseer Name: <\/strong>Ismael Saadat Name: <\/strong>Wahidullah Masum Name: <\/strong>Ehsanullah Tasal Name: <\/strong>Longa Khumi Name: <\/strong>Sajad Gul Name: <\/strong>Rupesh Kumar Singh Name: <\/strong>Irfan Mehraj Name: <\/strong>Majid Hyderi Name: <\/strong>Prabir Purkayastha Name: <\/strong>Amit Chakraborty Name: <\/strong>Aasif Sultan Name:<\/strong> Rajinder Singh Taggar Status:<\/strong> Taggar remains in detention.<\/p>\n Name: <\/strong>Mugunthan Divanya Name: <\/strong>Wimal Raj Name: <\/strong>Mortaza Behboudi Name: <\/strong>Khairullah Parhar Name: <\/strong>Ehsanullah Akbari Name: <\/strong>Mehboob Hakimi Name: <\/strong>Abdul Rahim Mohammadi Name: <\/strong>Md Shofiuzzaman Rana Name: <\/strong>Fahad Shah Name: <\/strong>Sunil Namdeo Name: <\/strong>Ashutosh Negi Name: <\/strong>Imran Riaz Khan Name: <\/strong>Nasrullah Gadani Name: <\/strong>Khalid Jamil Name: <\/strong>Asad Ali Toor Name: <\/strong>Imran Riaz Khan [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”JOURNALISTS DETAINED FOR LESS THAN ONE WEEK” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f2f2f2″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Name: <\/strong>Sakhi Sarwar Miakhil Name: <\/strong>Mohammaduddin Shah Khiyali
<\/strong>Bangladesh: 2
<\/strong>Bhutan: 0<\/strong>
India: 22<\/strong>
Nepal: 4<\/strong>
<\/strong>Maldives: 0
<\/strong>Pakistan: 16
<\/strong>Sri Lanka: 6<\/strong><\/p>\n
Detained for more than one week: India & Pakistan – 5 cases<\/strong>
Detained for less than one week: Afghanistan – 21 cases<\/strong>
Detained for one day or less: Pakistan – 9 cases<\/strong><\/p>\nAFGHANISTAN<\/h4>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: April 6, 2024
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Journalist, Radio Azadi
\nAccusation: <\/strong>Taseer was arrested after a Radio Azadi broadcast is interpreted to insult a senior Imam, and people who attend religious services at the mosques.
\nStatus:<\/strong> Taseer remains in detention.<\/p>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: April 22, 2024
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Reporter, NAZ FM Radio
\nAccusation: <\/strong>Saadat is arrested alongside Igra FM Radio reporter Wahidullah Masum, and Wolas Ghog reporter Ehsanullah Tasal, after they were summoned by the Taliban\u2019s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, who allege they played music and broadcast women\u2019s voices over the Eid-al-Fitr holiday in late April.
\nStatus: <\/strong>Saadat remains in detention.<\/p>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: April 22, 2024
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Reporter, Igra FM Radio
\nAccusation: <\/strong>Masum is arrested alongside NAZ FM Radio reporter Ismael Saadat, and Wolas Ghog reporter Ehsanullah Tasal, after they were summoned by the Taliban\u2019s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, who allege they played music and broadcast women\u2019s voices over the Eid-al-Fitr holiday in late April.
\nStatus: <\/strong>Masum remains in detention.<\/p>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: April 22, 2024
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Reporter, NAZ FM Radio
\nAccusation: <\/strong>Tasal is arrested alongside NAZ FM Radio reporter Ismael Saadat and Igra FM Radio reporter Wahidullah Masum after they were summoned by the Taliban\u2019s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, who allege they played music and broadcast women\u2019s voices over the Eid-al-Fitr holiday in late April.
\nStatus: <\/strong>Tasal remains in detention<\/p>\nBANGLADESH<\/h4>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: May 19, 2023
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Correspondent, Daily Manab Zamin
\nAccusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Khumi is detained by members of the Bangladesh Army for his alleged links to separatist group the Kuki-Chin National Front, in what representatives of the armed forces claim is the result of a \u2018special operation\u2019 and due to Khumi carrying \u2018confidential documents\u2019.
\nStatus<\/strong>: Khumi remains in detention. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nINDIA<\/h4>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: January 5, 2022
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Journalist, Kashmir Walla
\nAccusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Gul, a trainee journalist with the Kashmir Walla, was arrested by security forces after posting a video showing a protest by the family of a killed Lashkar-e-Taiba militant on January 3. Two days later, Gul\u2019s home was raided by security personnel at 10 pm, and the journalist was taken into detention. Police have accused him of spreading \u2018disinformation and false narratives\u2019, and creating \u2018ill-will\u2019 toward the government, and chargedunder criminal conspiracy, fear or alarm to the public, and anti-national assertions sectons of the Indian penal code.
\nStatus<\/strong>:\u00a0On January 15, 2022, a court ordered police to release Gul with a bond of IDR 30,000 (approx. USD 370). However, he was arrested under the Public Safety Act on January 16, 2022, and moved to a jail in Jammu.<\/p>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: July 17, 2022
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Journalist, Freelance
\nAccusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Singh was arrested by Jharkhand police for alleged links to the Maoists, a banned left-wing armed group. Two days prior, the journalist had released a report detailing the dumping of industrial waste on traditional tribal land in Giridih district. Relatives and supporters of the journalists have identified the lack of a definitive charge sheet against the journalist.
\nStatus: <\/strong>Singh remains in detention.<\/p>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: March 20, 2023
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Journalist, freelance
\nAccusation: <\/strong>Irfan Mehraj is the latest Kashmiri journalist to be arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his alleged involvement in sponsoring \u2018terrorist operations\u2019 and other \u2018anti-national\u2019 activities under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The journalist is one of several arrested in an ongoing NIA investigation into an alleged NGO terrorist funding scheme.
\nStatus: <\/strong>In September 2023, Delhi police filed a charge sheet 26 days after the allotted ninety-day pre-trial detention period expired. Mehraj remains in custody.<\/p>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: September 14, 2023
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Freelance Journalist
\nAccusation: <\/strong>No warrant is presented during the arrest, but police later tweet that his arrest was under criminal conspiracy, intimidation, extortion, giving false information, and defamation charges. He is released on bail on September 16, before police re-arrest him under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
\nStatus: <\/strong>Hyderi remains in detention.<\/p>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: October 3, 2023
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Founder and Editor, NewsClick \u00a0<\/strong>
\nAccusation:<\/strong> Following a raid on the offices of outlet NewsClick, Purkayastha is arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and charges under the Indian Penal Code for his alleged acceptance of Chinese funds via American billionaire Neville Roy Singham to publish news articles \u201cinciting dissatisfaction\u201d, criticising the Indian government\u2019s policies, including its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Police investigations into the alleged financial malpractice first commenced in 2020, with a First Information Report first registered in August under enmity and criminal conspiracy charges under the penal code, and multiple terror fundraising sections of the UAPA.\u00a0 Purkayastha\u2019s initial pleas challenging the arrests were denied by local and high courts in October and has been held on successive judicial remands. The next remand hearing is fixed for April 30, 2024.
\nStatus:<\/strong> Purkayastha remains in detention.<\/p>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: October 3, 2023
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Administrative Officer, NewsClick \u00a0<\/strong>
\nAccusation: <\/strong>Following a raid on the offices of outlet NewsClick, Chakraborty is arrested alongside outlet founder Prabir Purkayastha under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code for the outlet\u2019s alleged acceptance of Chinese funds via American billionaire Neville Roy Singham to publish news articles \u201cinciting dissatisfaction\u201d, criticising the Indian government\u2019s policies, including its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Police investigations into the alleged financial malpractice first commenced in 2020, with a First Information Report first registered in August under enmity and criminal conspiracy charges under the penal code, and multiple terror fundraising sections of the UAPA.\u00a0 Chakraborty filed an application in December 2023 seeking permission to become an approver. The next remand hearing is fixed for April 30, 2024.
\nStatus:<\/strong> Chakraborty remains in detention.<\/p>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: February 29, 2024
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Assistant editor, Kashmir Narrator
\nAccusation: <\/strong>Aasif Sultan is summoned to the Rainawari Police Station in Srinagar and arrested hours after his arrival in Kashmir two days after his release on Public Safety Act charges. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court ruled he was to be released in December, however this is delayed due to police processing difficulties. He was originally arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
\nStatus: <\/strong>Sultan remains in detention.<\/p>\n
\nGender:<\/strong> Male
\nDetained: <\/strong>April 24, 2024
\nJob:<\/strong> Journalist and operator, Punjab Dastayez
\nAccusation: <\/strong>Taggar was arrested under extortion, criminal conspiracy, and wrongful restraint charges in connection to a First Information Report registered on March 20. Supporters claim his arrest is in relation to his reporting of scammers.<\/p>\nSRI LANKA<\/h4>\n
\nGender:<\/strong> Female
\nDetained:\u00a0<\/strong>March 29, 2021
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Web journalist, YouTube channel \u2018TubeTamil\u2019
\nAccusation:<\/strong>\u00a0The Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) arrest Divanya for \u201coperating a website and a YouTube channel promoting the LTTE and related terrorism activities\u201d. She is \u00a0charged under the Prevention of Terrorism (Proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) Regulations No. 1 of 2011
\nStatus:<\/strong>\u00a0Divanya remains in detention.<\/p>\n
\nGender:<\/strong> Male
\nDetained:<\/strong>\u00a0March 29, 2021
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Web journalist, YouTube channel \u2018TubeTamil\u2019
\nAccusation:\u00a0<\/strong>The Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) arrest Raj for \u201coperating a website and a YouTube channel promoting the LTTE and related terrorism activities\u201d. He is \u00a0charged under the Prevention of Terrorism (Proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) Regulations No. 1 of 2011
\nStatus:<\/strong>\u00a0Raj remains in detention.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”JOURNALISTS JAILED FOR MORE THAN ONE WEEK” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f2f2f2″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAFGHANISTAN<\/h4>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: January 7, 2023
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Journalist, Freelance
Accusation:\u00a0<\/strong>French-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi was detained two days after his arrival in Kabul. The journalist had returned to Afghanistan to write a report and was arrested before being able to attain a press card. Mortaza was accused of espionage, defamation, undermining state security, and anti-national sentiment charges.
Status:<\/strong> Following a lengthy legal battle, a Kabul criminal court acquitted Behboudi of all remaining charges on October 18, after an initial hearing on August 7 withdrew undermining state security charges. He has since returned to France.<\/p>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: January 9, 2023
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Journalist, Freelance
Accusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Parhar was arrested on January 9, after being summoned by the General Directorate of Intelligence in Kabul to retrieve his mobile phone, confiscated in December 2022.
Status:<\/strong> Parhar was released on May 4, 2023, under strict conditions.<\/p>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: January 17, 2024
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Assistant Bureau Chief, Kyodo News Agency
Accusation:\u00a0<\/strong>According to the journalist\u2019s family, Akbari was summoned to the Government Media and Information Center in Kabul, where he is taken into custody. The following day, Taliban officers escort Akbari to the Kyodo News Agency\u2019s offices, where they confiscate his computer, camera, and phone. He is arrested for preparing reports critical of the Taliban. Some of his identification documents were reportedly taken during his arrest.
Status:<\/strong> Released on January 25, 2024, after intervention from a complaints and media violations committee.<\/p>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: August 10, 2023
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Freelance journalist
Accusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Unclear.
Status:<\/strong> Released on September 1, 2023.<\/p>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: December 4, 2023
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Journalist, Tamdan TV
Accusation: <\/strong>Mohammadi is arrested after being summoned to the Kandahar offices of the General Directorate of Intelligence. He is accused of reporting to foreign media outlets, a crime under the Taliban\u2019s media code.
Status:<\/strong> Mohammadi was released.<\/p>\nBANGLADESH<\/h4>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: March 5, 2024
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Journalist, Desh Rupantor
Accusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Rana is arrested after filing a Right to Information request concerning the purchase of electronic equipment for a government-led development program. He was sentenced on March 10 to six-months imprisonment for disobeying a public servant and insulting the modesty of a woman in a mobile court.
Status<\/strong>:\u00a0Released on bail on March 12, 2024.<\/p>\nINDIA<\/h4>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: February 4, 2022
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Editor, Kashmir Walla
Accusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Prominent Kashmiri journalist Fahad Shah was arrested by Jammu and Kashmir police regarding a series of articles he published. He faces sedition charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for posting anti-national\u2019 content \u2013 a Facebook post Shah published regarding a gunfight on January 30. Shah was charged under Jammu and Kashmir\u2019s Public Safety Act (PSA) on March 14, 2023, and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for \u2018unlawful activities\u2019 on March 11, 2022.
Status<\/strong>:\u00a0Shah was released after over 600 days in detention on November 21, 2023, with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh ruling state investigative agencies had \u2018lacked evidence\u2019 for Shah\u2019s charges under the UAPA.<\/p>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: June 1, 2023
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Journalist, NewsTodayCG.com
Accusation: <\/strong>Namdeo is arrested after police name him and Nilesh Sharma in an FIR claiming they had conspired to publish an anti-judiciary articles. When police raid Namdev\u2019s home they reportedly find MDMA. In news articles, Namdeo\u2019s family claim the substances were planted by police.
Status: <\/strong>Granted bail in January 2024.<\/p>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: March 5, 2024
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Editor, Jago Uttarakhand
Accusation: <\/strong>Journalist Ashutosh Negi was arrested in Pauri following the publication of several articles focused on the September 2022 murder case of a 19-year-old receptionist, in which the journalist has criticised the response by law enforcement. The case, launched by an unidentified resident of Pauri Garhwal, claims Negi used \u2018casteist\u2019 remarks and made death threats to an individual belonging to a Scheduled Caste, leading to charges under sections of the Prevention of Atrocities Act. The journalist is also accused of engaging in a struggle with police during his arrest.
Status:<\/strong> Released on bail on March 13, 2024.<\/p>\nPAKISTAN<\/h4>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: May 11, 2023
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Freelance Journalist
Accusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Khan, prominent digital journalist and supporter of opposition political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was arrested at Sialkot Airport enroute to Oman. His location is unknown for several months, with both police and intelligence agencies denying him being in their custody. Lahore High Court orders the police to release the journalist on September 20.
Status<\/strong>:\u00a0Released and arrived home on September 25, 2023.<\/p>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: May 22, 2023
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Freelance journalist
Accusation<\/strong> Gadani was detained in Mirpur Mathelo following a Sindh Home Department order from May 16, which claim that he provoked violence against authorities, participated in and organised protests, and circulated slanderous remarks on social media in the wake of protests related to the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan
Status<\/strong>:\u00a0Released after one month in detention.<\/p>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: July 9, 2023
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Reporter, ABN News TV
Accusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Jamil was arrested in Islamabad by Federal Investigation Agency agents and charged under the national cybercrime law with spreading \u2018malicious and seditious\u2019 sentiments against security agencies on social media platform \u2018X\u2019. Jamil was freed on orders of a special court, with charges against him dropped on December 6, 2023.
Status<\/strong>:\u00a0Released on September 29, 2023.<\/p>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: February 26, 2024
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Freelance journalist
Accusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Toor was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency on charges of defaming superior court judges, amid a vitriolic social media campaign led by supporters of ousted former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Toor is placed under successive judicial remands.
Status<\/strong>:\u00a0Released on bail on March 16, 2024.<\/p>\n
Gender<\/strong>: Male
Detained<\/strong>: March 1, 2024
Job:<\/strong>\u00a0Freelance journalist
Accusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Imran Riaz Khan is arrested again in relation to a corruption case, from which he is released on bail on March 6, and then immediately re-arrested under anti-terrorism charges. Authorities accuse him of arson, and throwing missiles at police during protests against the execution of arrest warrants for former Prime Minster Imran Khan in May, 2023.
Status<\/strong>:\u00a0Released on bail on March 10, 2024. \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nAFGHANISTAN<\/h4>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: May 9, 2023
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Editor-in-chief, Gharghasht Radio & TV
\nAccusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Miakhil is arrested alongside Radio Wolas editor Mohammaduddin Shah Khiyali, Radio Chinar Editor-in-chief Pamir Andish and Radio Nan reporter Abdul Rahman Ashna for their alleged airing of music programs over Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in April.
\nStatus:<\/strong> Released on May 14, 2023.<\/p>\n
\nGender<\/strong>: Male
\nDetained<\/strong>: May 9, 2023
\nJob:<\/strong>\u00a0Editor, Radio Wolas & Editor-in-chief, Radio Zarghoon & Radio Yun
\nAccusation:\u00a0<\/strong>Khiyali, editor-in-chief of Radio Zarghoon and Radio Yun\u00a0who also works with Radio Wolas, is arrested alongside Gharghasht Radio & TV Editor-in-chief Sakhi Sarwar Miakhil, Radio Chinar Editor-in-chief Pamir Andish and Radio Nan reporter Abdul Rahman Ashna for their alleged airing of music programs over Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in April.
\nStatus:<\/strong> Released on May 14, 2023.<\/p>\n