<THE CASE TIMELINE>
27–28 Aug 2018
Aasif Sultan arrested after a raid at his residence that lasted for almost 2 hours, between 11:15 pm to 1:27 am
31 Aug 2018
J&K Police issued a press release, misrepresenting the date of his arrest being 4 days later than the actual date
27–28 Aug 2018
Aasif Sultan arrested after a raid at his residence that lasted for almost 2 hours, between 11:15 pm to 1:27 am
31 Aug 2018
J&K Police issued a press release, misrepresenting the date of his arrest being 4 days later than the actual date
08 Sep 2018
Aasif Sultan sent to Srinagar Central Jail, Jammu and Kashmir
03 Oct 2018
According to a statement filed before a judge in Srinagar, the state accused Sultan of being in touch with a militant group and promoting it on social media
Aasif Sultan sent to Srinagar Central Jail, Jammu and Kashmir
03 Oct 2018
According to a statement filed before a judge in Srinagar, the state accused Sultan of being in touch with a militant group and promoting it on social media
13 Nov 2018
The journalist's bail is rejected by the lower court
06 Feb 2019
J&K Police files a chargesheet against Sultan, accusing him of hatching a criminal conspiracy, “harbouring militants, and giving support to a proscribed militant organisation”
The journalist's bail is rejected by the lower court
06 Feb 2019
J&K Police files a chargesheet against Sultan, accusing him of hatching a criminal conspiracy, “harbouring militants, and giving support to a proscribed militant organisation”
06 Aug 2019 onwards
During the brutal siege on Kashmir, not a single hearing took place despite mounting international pressure. In 2019, the court hearings were scheduled for Aug 06, 21, Sep 05, 26, Oct 12, 30, and Nov 13, 28, but none could proceed successfully.
During the brutal siege on Kashmir, not a single hearing took place despite mounting international pressure. In 2019, the court hearings were scheduled for Aug 06, 21, Sep 05, 26, Oct 12, 30, and Nov 13, 28, but none could proceed successfully.
On several occasions, either the police witnesses did not come or the Public Prosecutor was absent. On other instances, Aasif Sultan was not brought to the court, and when he was, a crucial state official was missing.
An inconclusive hearing did happen on Dec 18, 2019.
An inconclusive hearing did happen on Dec 18, 2019.
In 2020, hearings scheduled for Jan 21, Feb 17, and Mar 13 did not happen, and another scheduled for Apr 20 was postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
IMPORTANT: There are 50 witnesses in the case, and only 3 witnesses have been produced before the court so far.
IMPORTANT: There are 50 witnesses in the case, and only 3 witnesses have been produced before the court so far.
So far, the case has revealed a nightmare of bureaucracy, impunity, and structural violence against a journalist, against his family, and against an entire region. Despite significant international attention and pressure from global platforms, there has been no progress at all.
However, while Aasif Sultan continues to face state brutality, @PressClubDC honoured his commitment to the ideals of journalism last year. He won the prestigious John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award 2019 and was the only overseas recipient of the award that year.
#FreeAasifSultan
#FreeAasifSultan
