Yasin Malik: Kashmiri separatist declines lawyer in Indian court

NEW DELHI: Well-known Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik chose to represent himself in his appeal against a death penalty plea filed by the India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Yasin Malik is currently serving a life sentence in India. The Kashmir separatist appeared via video call from the notorious Tihar Jail for a recent hearing before the Delhi High Court.

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The Indian NIA appealed for the death penalty for Yasin Malik in an alleged 2016 terror funding case. The appeal follows Malik’s conviction and life sentence, which a trial court imposed in May 2022.

The Kashmiri separatist pleaded guilty to charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The trial court, however, decided against the death penalty, deeming it appropriate only for cases that profoundly “disturb” “societal norms”.

Appealing in court via video call, Yasin Malik informed the Indian Division Bench that he would represent himself. He rejected the court’s suggestions to appoint a lawyer or accept the assistance of an amicus curiae.

“I argued my own case in the trial court, and I will do the same here,” Malik stated. The Kashmiri leader said he had a “deep understanding” of the case and felt he is “best suited” to handle his appeal.

The court earlier advised Malik to consider legal representation, arguing that competent counsel could better protect his interests. Despite this advice, Malik voiced dissatisfaction with the video conference format, claiming it compromises his right to a fair trial.

He noted that his physical presence in the trial court had not caused any issues and questioned the necessity of virtual hearings.

The Kashmiri separatist is set to appear before the Indian court on September 15.

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In its appeal, the Indian agency argued that the trial court’s life sentence was inadequate given the gravity of Yasin Malik’s alleged crimes. The NIA argued that a lenient sentence could set a “troubling precedent” and demanded the death penalty for the Kashmiri separatist.