International Rights Groups Demand Release of Umar Khalid in Delhi Riots case
new Delhi - A coalition of seven global human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, issued a joint statement on September 13, 2025, calling for the immediate release of activist Umar Khalid, who has been detained in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. The groups cite concerns over the prolonged detention and alleged politically motivated charges against Khalid, arguing his imprisonment violates fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The call for Khalid’s release underscores growing international scrutiny of India’s handling of the Delhi riots investigations and the broader crackdown on dissent.Khalid, a Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) scholar and vocal critic of government policies, was arrested in September 2020 and accused of playing a key role in orchestrating the violence. His trial remains ongoing, with authorities alleging he delivered inflammatory speeches that incited the riots. The rights organizations contend the evidence against Khalid is weak and based on unsubstantiated claims,and that his detention is part of a pattern of targeting human rights defenders and activists.
Amnesty International, alongside organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Front Line Defenders, and the International Commission of Jurists, detailed concerns about the application of stringent anti-terrorism laws in Khalid’s case. They argue the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been misused to suppress peaceful protest and stifle critical voices. The groups emphasized the importance of due process and a fair trial, highlighting delays in the proceedings and restrictions on Khalid’s access to legal counsel.
The 2020 Delhi riots erupted in February, resulting in at least 53 deaths, primarily in the northeast part of the city. the violence followed protests against the citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). Investigations into the riots have been contentious, with accusations of bias and selective targeting of individuals from the Muslim community.
The rights groups’ statement urges Indian authorities to review Khalid’s case, ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into the riots, and uphold their commitments to international human rights standards. They also call for the release of other activists and journalists detained in connection with the protests and the riots. The organizations plan to continue monitoring the case and advocating for Khalid’s freedom.