British Kashmiri journalist, researcher and activist Tanveer Ahmed arrested on 21st of August for removing a Pakistani flag from Maqbool Butt Shaheed square in Dadyal has been refused a bail by the High Court today 12th September in Mir Pur.
Tanveer Ahmed was charged with section 123 B of Pakistan penal which does not apply to any territory of Jammu Kashmir administered by Pakistan. The High Court heard the case on 10th of September and reserved the decision which has been announced this morning by high court.
According to the legal experyd section 123 doesn’t apply in Pakistan administered Jammu Kashmir. The meaning of this section is “removal of a flag by an unauthorised person.” Tanveer didn’t insult but just removed the flag. Secondly, section 123 B is bailable and the reason to refuse bail is clearly due to political pressure.
The courts had earlier described this case as “exceptional.” However, the commentators think the controversy caused by this case should have been prevented, had the Pakistan government acted cool mindedly rather than emotionally.
In summing up, the high Court judge said: “in my considered view, the grant of bail to the accused petitioner would tantamount to encourage him and provide him another opportunity to repetition of offence.”