‎KIIR chief seeks UN intervention in pre-trial detainee M Yaseen Bhat’s prolonged detention

Islamabad: The Chairman Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) Altaf Hussain Wani has urged the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to intervene in the case of pre-trial detainee Mohammad Yaseen Bhat, who has remained in custody since July 10, 2023, without conviction.
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‎In a letter to Dr Matthew Gillett, Chair-Rapporteur of the OHCHR Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Wani raised concerns over Bhat’s prolonged detention and repeated adjournments, which he said had delayed justice and compounded the suffering of detainees and their families.
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‎“Every adjournment deepens suffering and delays justice,” Wani said, adding that repeated delays had left Bhat in prolonged uncertainty, with successive hearings resulting in new dates rather than progress towards a verdict.
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‎Referring to the use of prolonged pre-trial detention by Indian authorities as a tool of collective punishment in Kashmir, Wani said keeping individuals behind bars for extended periods while they awaited trial raised serious human rights and legal concerns, particularly given the presumption of innocence.
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‎He also expressed concern over Bhat’s medical condition, saying he suffered from hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease and had a history of two heart attacks. He stressed the need for specialist treatment, proper medical care and continuity of healthcare during his detention.
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‎While Bhat maintains his innocence, Wani said the charges against him should be decided by a competent court through fair and lawful proceedings. He emphasised that the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time and humane treatment in detention must be upheld.
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‎Wani urged the UN official to raise the matter with the Indian government and relevant authorities, seek timely consideration of Bhat’s legal remedies and call for reasonable progress in the trial in accordance with due process and judicial independence.
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‎He also called for impartial examination of the evidentiary and procedural concerns raised by Bhat’s family, an independent assessment of his health and access to appropriate specialist treatment, particularly for his cardiovascular condition.
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‎Wani further urged the Working Group to bring the case to the attention of relevant authorities and UN human rights mechanisms, as appropriate, to safeguard Bhat’s fundamental rights.