CPJ Urges Bangladesh Government to Honor Election Pledge and Release Jailed Journalists Amid Concerns Over Politicized Cases
April 27, 2026
German Journalist Eva Maria Michelmann Confirmed Detained in Syria as Press Freedom Concerns Intensify
April 28, 2026
April 28, 2026 – Kashmir/India –
Kashmiri journalist Majid Hyderi has sought court protection after alleging that police officers threatened his life in an apparent attempt to force him to withdraw a legal complaint, in a case that has raised serious concerns about press freedom and the rule of law in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Hyderi had filed a petition before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in early 2026, citing a “threat to life” and requesting an independent investigation into his earlier arrest and detention on what he described as fabricated charges. The petition marked a continuation of his efforts to challenge legal proceedings stemming from his 2023 detention under security-related allegations that were widely criticized by press freedom advocates.
Following this filing, Hyderi reported a sharp escalation in police intimidation. He was repeatedly summoned to police stations, sometimes held for extended periods without basic provisions, and pressured by senior officers to withdraw his complaint. The situation reached a critical point in February 2026, when he was allegedly detained for hours and then taken to meet senior officials who again demanded he abandon his legal action.
According to his account, when he refused, officers forcibly transported him to the High Court and attempted to coerce him into compliance. As he exited the premises, he said police tried to drag him into a vehicle and threatened that he would be “killed under mysterious circumstances” if he persisted. In response, Hyderi ran back into the courthouse and sought immediate protection from a judge, who intervened and directed court officials to ensure his safety.
In a ruling issued on March 2, 2026, the High Court ordered authorities to refrain from harassing Hyderi and instructed that no action be taken against him without due legal process. Despite this, Hyderi has expressed continued fear for his safety, warning that he could face further detention or violence.
RSF has condemned the actions described in the case, calling for an independent investigation and emphasizing that no journalist should be forced to seek refuge in a courtroom to avoid threats from law enforcement. The organization also noted that the situation reflects a broader pattern of surveillance, intimidation, and legal pressure targeting journalists in the region since 2019.
Hyderi’s case underscores the precarious environment for journalists in Kashmir, where legal mechanisms and security frameworks are increasingly perceived by rights groups as tools used to deter critical reporting and suppress dissent.
Reference –
Kashmiri journalist Majid forced to seek court protection after police death threats: RSF
