[Reader-list] FrontLine Defenders condemns arrest and assault of Parvez Imroz

[Khurram Parvez]

Re: India Human rights defender, Advocate Parvez Imroz,   beaten and arrested by security forces 
  
  
Front Line is deeply concerned following reports received of the beating and arrest of human rights defender Advocate Parvez Imroz on 17 November 2008 by Indian security forces.  Advocate Parvez Imroz is the co-convener of the International People's Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Indian-administered Kashmir, and the co-founder and president of the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS).  Front Line previously wrote to you on 1 July 2008 concerning the attempted assassination of Advocate Parvez Imroz. 
  
On 17 November 2008, at approximately 12:30 pm, Advocate Parvez Imroz, along with a team of approximately 50 volunteers, was monitoring the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislative Assembly Election which was taking place in Bandipora town.  An anti-election protest of some 70 or 80 demonstrators clashed with the Indian police and security groups who used tear gas and heavy baton charges to disperse the crowds. 
  
When Advocate Parvez Imroz reached the site of the demonstration, along with K. Babaiah, a human rights defender from Bangalore, Nissar Ali, a trade union leader from Kashmir, Mohammad Shafi Khan, a trade union activist from Kashmir, Firdous Ahmed Sofi, a local volunteer, and Ajaz Ahmed Mir, a local volunteer, they were caught between the protesters and the police.  Advocate Parvez Imroz is reported to have been specifically targeted by an Indian policeman who severely beat him in front of members of the media.  Advocate Parvez Imroz, along with Firdous Ahmed Sofi and Ajaz Ahmed Mir, was subsequently arrested and brought to Bandipora Police.  They were held without access to a lawyer or a doctor before being released without charge late on the evening of 17 November. 
  
On 30 June 2008, unknown individuals attempted to assassinate Advocate Parvez Imroz and his family by throwing a grenade at his home. On 20 and 21 June 2008, Advocate Parvez Imroz, together with Dr Angana Chatterji and other members of the International People's Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice, were harassed and questioned by members of the Special Branch Kashmir (SBK) and Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) after visiting mass graves in Baramulla and Kupwara, in Indian-administered Kashmir. 
  
Front Line believes that Advocate Parvez Imroz was beaten and arrested as a result of his legitimate work in the defence of human rights, in particular his work against institutionalised violence and human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir.  Front Line is concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Advocate Parvez Imroz. 
  
Front Line urges the Indian authorities to: 
  

Ensure that no charges are brought against Advocate Parvez Imroz, Firdous Ahmed Sofi and Ajaz Ahmed Mir, as it is believed that they were arrested due to their legitimate work in defence of human rights; 
Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the police violence against Advocate Parvez Imroz with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards; 
Guarantee in all circumstances that human rights defenders in India are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment.
  
Front Line respectfully reminds you that the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, recognises the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders, their right to freedom of association and to carry out their activities without fear of reprisals.  We would particularly draw attention to Article 6 (c): “Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others: (c) To study, discuss, form and hold opinions on the observance, both in law and in practice, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and, through these and other appropriate means, to draw public attention to those matters”, and to Article 12 (1 and 2): “(1) Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to participate in peaceful
 activities against violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. (2) The State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration.” 
  
  
Yours sincerely, 

Mary Lawlor 
Director