Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh released from Jail in India

*Posted on behalf of Frances Ainley*

Good news! Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh has finally been released fromadministrative detention on 10 February 2011. Amnesty Internationalbelieves that public campaigning by the Urgent Action Network may wellhave contributed to the decision to release Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh.

Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh, a 14 year old arrested on 9 April 2010, wasdetained without charge or trial in India for nearly ten months. He isalleged to have been part of a large mob which pelted police andsecurity forces with stones during ongoing protests against the statein Srinagar, the capital of the northern Jammu and Kashmir state. Hewas released on bail after eight days in custody but was again detainedwithout charge or trial on 21 April.

Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh was initially held at Udhampur Jail and later heldat Kot Bhalwal Jail at Jammu. Both are regular prisons without anyspecial facilities for detaining children. Prison conditions in Jammuare harsh and the provision of health care is limited.

Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh was released from administrative detention on10 February 2011. Very glad we may have managed to contribute to this!