Karachi: The High Court of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has granted bail to Kashmiri journalist Fahad Shah, the editor of the news portal The Kashmir Walla. Shah had been in detention for almost two years, facing charges under severe laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to the Kashmir Media Service, Fahad Shah’s lawyer informed the media that, in addition to granting bail, the court also dismissed several serious charges against the journalist, including accusations of “abetting terrorism” and “waging war against India”. However, Shah will continue to face trial for alleged violations under the UAPA and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), accused of unlawfully receiving funds.

This recent bail decision follows an earlier ruling by the High Court, which quashed Shah’s detention under the PSA, noting an insufficiency of evidence connecting him to any threat to public order.

Shah was initially arrested on February 4 last year after publishing statements from families of victims in a Pulwama district incident, which contradicted police claims. The police accused him of spreading anti-India content and inciting public fear. Despite receiving bail in three cases, he was subsequently detained under the PSA, a law that permits detention without trial for up to two years.

The arrest and prolonged detention of Fahad Shah had drawn significant criticism from international journalism organizations, highlighting concerns over press freedom and human rights in the region.