#FreePoliticalPrisoners in Jammu Kashmir Campaign

Demand suspension of any steps toward the death penalty, an independent medical review, and a fair, transparent judicial review for Yasin Malik immediately. Justice, No Death Penalty — #FreeYasinMalik

Mohammad Yasin Malik, a long-time Kashmiri political leader who publicly renounced armed struggle in 1994 and later emphasised non-violent civil resistance, diplomatic engagement and humanitarian work — now faces an urgent, life-threatening risk. Read more.

In 2022, Mr Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment. The Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) has appealed to enhance the sentence to the death penalty; campaigners fear the appeal could lead to steps toward capital punishment. Reports also indicate Mr Malik has chronic medical conditions and has at times struggled to obtain timely medical care in custody. These factors together create an immediate humanitarian and legal emergency.

We, the undersigned, call for immediate, limited and verifiable measures to protect Mr Malik’s life and guarantee due process:

1.    Suspend any steps that could lead to the imposition of the death penalty on Yasin Malik until independent review and legal remedies are exhausted in accordance with international human-rights law (ICRC - Customary IHL - Rule 100), 

2.    Allow an independent medico-legal examination by qualified neutral experts (OHCHR/ICRC-mandated or mutually agreed) under International standards on detention (OHCHR), who may examine Mr Malik promptly, publish a written report, and recommend urgent medical care; implement any interim measures they identify.

3.    Guarantee unfettered access to legal counsel and family, and provide full transparency of court filings and transcripts so independent observers can assess compliance with fair-trial standards according to the Fair Trial Manual (Amnesty International, 2014).

4.    Request urgent engagement by UN Special Procedures and diplomatic human-rights desks (UK/US/EU) to press for interim measures and protection against reprisals.

5.    Consider commutation or alternative remediation consistent with international human-rights obligations if independent review identifies serious due-process or health-related concerns.

This petition does not adjudicate disputed facts — it calls only for steps to prevent irreversible harm and to secure fair procedure in a case that raises serious rights questions. We will deliver signatures and the medico-legal request to UN Special Procedures and diplomatic human-rights desks on 10 October 2025 (World Day Against the Death Penalty).

Sign now to demand justice, humane treatment and due process — not execution. #FreeYasinMalik