The United Nations Human Rights Office, led by High Commissioner Volker Turk, has expressed concern over the Indian government’s decision to prosecute renowned author Arundhati Roy and Kashmiri scholar Sheikh Showkat Hussain under under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for their comments on Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the UN body has urged the Indian authorities to drop the cases against Arundhati Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain, calling for a review of the UAPA and the release of human rights defenders detained under it.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the UN Human Rights Office stated: “We are concerned by the use of #UAPA anti-terror law to silence critics. Repeat call for review of law and release of human rights defenders detained under it. Urge authorities to drop cases against Arundhati Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain over comments on Kashmir”.

Earlier in June, Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena granted sanction to prosecute Roy, a fierce critic of India’s policy in Kashmir, and former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain under the draconian UAPA. The prosecution stems from speeches made at an event in 2010 titled ‘Azadi – The Only Way’. An FIR was registered against them on October 28, 2010, following the orders of the Court of Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi.