BRUSSELS/ISLAMABAD, (Unib Rashid) – Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), has urged the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to intervene in the case of undertrial prisoner Muhammad Yasin Butt, who has reportedly remained in detention without a judicial verdict since July 10, 2023.

In a letter addressed to Dr. Matthew Gillett, Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention under the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Wani expressed concern over Butt’s prolonged detention and repeated postponements of his court hearings. He said the delays were affecting the administration of justice and increasing the difficulties faced by detainees and their families.

“Every adjournment adds to the suffering and delays justice,” Wani said, adding that repeated postponements had left Butt in prolonged uncertainty, with successive hearings reportedly resulting in new dates rather than meaningful progress towards a verdict.

Referring to concerns over prolonged pretrial detention in Indian-administered Kashmir, Wani argued that keeping individuals behind bars for extended periods while awaiting the conclusion of their trials raises serious questions about human rights and due process, particularly when the presumption of innocence remains applicable until guilt is established by a competent court.

Concerns Over Health and Access to Medical Care

Wani also raised concerns about Butt’s health, stating that he suffers from high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, and has reportedly experienced two heart attacks in the past.

He stressed the need to ensure access to specialist doctors, adequate medical facilities and continuous medical supervision throughout Butt’s detention.

Wani said Butt maintains his innocence and that the allegations against him should be determined by a competent court through fair and lawful proceedings. He emphasised the importance of upholding the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time and humane treatment in detention.

Call for UN Engagement and an Independent Medical Assessment

Wani urged the UN official to raise the matter with the Indian government and the relevant authorities, seek timely consideration of the legal remedies available to Butt, and call for meaningful progress in the proceedings in accordance with due process and judicial independence.

He also called for an impartial examination of the evidence and concerns raised by Butt’s family regarding the judicial proceedings. In addition, he sought an independent assessment of Butt’s health and appropriate specialist treatment, particularly in view of his reported heart condition.

Wani further urged that, where appropriate, the case be brought before the relevant authorities and appropriate United Nations human rights mechanisms to help safeguard Butt’s fundamental rights.

His appeal highlights concerns over prolonged pretrial detention, access to healthcare in custody and the importance of fair judicial proceedings in cases involving fundamental rights.