Delhi court grants Khurram Parvez bail in 2021 case
Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez received partial bail in one case but remains imprisoned on another “terror funding” charge.
Lauren Collins ·
Khurram Parvez, a Kashmiri human rights activist jailed for nearly five years, was granted bail on Wednesday in a 2021 “terror funding” case, but he will remain in custody because of a separate 2023 case, officials and court reporting said. The decision was issued by the Delhi High Court. Parvez, 49, was arrested by India’s National Investigation Agency and has faced accusations that include “terror funding,” recruitment of rebels and mobilising protesters in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The bail order applies to a November 2021 case. Parvez remains incarcerated as proceedings continue in a separate March 2023 case that is also related to alleged “terror funding.”
International human rights organisations have criticised his detention and have pointed to delays in the legal process. The trial has not begun in either case, according to the report.
Second case keeps activist in custody
Parvez’s lawyer, Swati Khanna, said she expected he could be released if there was a “positive result” in the second case. She said she hoped he could be out of jail in a month or two.
Parvez was first arrested about five years ago by the National Investigation Agency, India’s main counterterrorism law enforcement bureau. Authorities alleged he was involved in “terror funding,” recruitment of rebels in Indian-administered Kashmir and mobilising protesters during a civilian uprising.
UAPA charges and wider Kashmir context
Parvez was charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The report cited a national conviction rate of 5% under the law, falling to less than 1% in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The report also said rights groups argue prolonged detention without trial can turn legal process into punishment for political prisoners who spend years behind bars before facing trial. Kashmir remains disputed by India, Pakistan and China, each of which controls parts of the region.
Court proceedings in the second case will determine whether Parvez remains in jail or is released in the weeks ahead.