As alumni of Columbia University’s Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, and as other concerned journalists, we are devastated to learn that Indian authorities have arrested our colleague Fahad Shah for doing his job as a journalist. Shah is an alum of the Dart Center’s 2019 Reporting Safely in Crisis Zones course. He is a kind and thoughtful person, and a serious and responsible journalist of the highest order, who as founder and editor of The Kashmir Walla newsmagazine provides a vital service bringing information to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and beyond.

We demand the authorities immediately release Shah, as well as Kashmir Walla contributor Sajad Gul, and all other imprisoned journalists, and allow independent media to work freely in their administered territories.

Journalism is not a crime.

Signed,

Cam Baker, Columbia Journalism School ‘18, Dart Center Online Editor ’20-’22
Francesco Brembati, RSCZ ‘19
Ana Cardenes, Ochberg Fellow ‘17
Shannon Carranco, Concordia University Journalism, BA
Anastasiia Carrier, Columbia Journalism School ’21
Stephania Corpi, RSCZ ’19
Joe Parkin Daniels, RSCZ ’19
Marta Dhanis, RSCZ ‘13
Bram Ebus, RSCZ ’19
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Ochberg Fellow ‘18
Ellen Ioanes, Columbia Journalism School ’18
Megan Janetsky, RSCZ ’19
Joel Angel Juárez, RSCZ ‘19
Betsy Joles, RSCZ ‘19
Quique Kierszenbaum, Ochberg Fellow, ’18
Stephanie Nolen, Ochberg Fellow ‘18
Judith Matloff, Dart Center Senior Safety Advisor
Dawn Marie Paley, RSCZ ’19
Jason Patinkin, RSCZ ’19
Jake Price, Ochberg Fellow ‘18
Eva Rammeloo, RSCZ ‘19
Eduardo Ritter, Professor of Journalism at Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil
Anna Bianca Roach, RSCZ ’19, Columbia Journalism School ‘21
Luis Antonio Rojas, RSCZ ’19
Kevin Taghabon, Ryerson School of Journalism, MA
Nick Turse, Ochberg Fellow ’18
Eva Marie Uzcategui, RSCZ ’19
Cady Voge, RSCZ ’19
Giacomo Zandonini, RSCZ ’19