A group of eight United States lawmakers has urged the Indian government to ensure a fair and timely trial for Umar Khalid, an accused in the North-East Delhi riots conspiracy case, days after newly sworn-in New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly expressed solidarity with him.
The lawmakers, led by senior Democrat Jim McGovern, have written to India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, calling attention to Khalid’s continued incarceration under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and raising concerns over prolonged detention without bail.
Lawmakers Cite International Legal Standards
Jim McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, who represents Massachusetts’ 2nd Congressional District, signed the letter along with seven other members of Congress.
According to the letter, McGovern and his colleagues met Umar Khalid’s parents earlier in December.
Sharing details on X, McGovern wrote, “Earlier this month, I met with the parents of Umar Khalid, who has been jailed in India for over 5 years without trial. Representative Raskin and I are leading our colleagues to urge that he be granted bail and a fair, timely trial in accordance with international law.”
Detained For Five Years Without Bail
In the letter addressed to Ambassador Kwatra, the lawmakers said Khalid has been held for over five years without bail under the UAPA, legislation that, they noted, has drawn criticism from independent human rights experts.
“Umar Khalid has been detained without bail for 5 years under UAPA, which independent human rights experts have warned may contravene international standards of equality before the law, due process and proportionality,” the letter said.
The lawmakers further stated, “India must uphold the rights of individuals to receive a trial within a reasonable time or to be released and be presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
They also requested that the Indian government outline the steps taken to ensure that judicial proceedings against Khalid and other co-accused currently in detention align with international legal norms.
Signatories Include US Democrats
The letter was co-signed by Congressman Jamie Raskin, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Peter Welch, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Congressman Jan Schakowsky and Congressman Lloyd Doggett.
Zohran Mamdani’s Message To Khalid
The letter from US lawmakers follows a separate message of support written by Zohran Mamdani, who was sworn in as New York Mayor on Thursday. Mamdani had earlier penned a personal note to Umar Khalid, which was later shared on social media by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna.
In the note, Mamdani wrote: “I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you.”
Interim Bail For Family Wedding
Last month, Delhi’s Karkardooma Court granted Umar Khalid provisional bail to attend his sister’s wedding. Khalid’s sister, Ayesha Fatima Syeda, was married on December 27, and he was allowed interim bail from December 16 to December 29.
Umar Khalid has been charge-sheeted under the UAPA in the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. His bail plea is currently pending before the Supreme Court.
