Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reiterates its call for Kashmiri journalist Aasif Sultan’s immediate and unconditional release on the eve of another hearing in his case. Held on nothing more than a police report since 24 August, he was finally charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act a week ago.

An assistant editor at the Kashmir Narrator monthly, Aasif Sultan is accused of “harbouring terrorists” and “hatching a criminal conspiracy” in connection with the fatal shooting of a policeman in August, according to the indictment unveiled in Srinagar, the capital of Indian-held Kashmir, on 7 February. His next hearing is due tomorrow.

“We call on the Indian justice system to act responsibly by releasing Aasif Sultan at once,” said Daniel Bastard, the head of RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk. “At no point since the start of this case have the police produced any evidence to support their claims. Detaining a journalist provisionally for nearly six months constitutes a clear attempt to intimidate all journalists covering subjects that displease the security forces.”