India's Supreme Court on Monday denied bail to two Muslim activists who have been held without trial for five years under a conspiracy charge linked to deadly sectarian violence in Delhi. Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were arrested in 2020 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a counterterrorism law that permits prolonged detention without charge or trial.
The violence in question occurred during protests against a controversial 2019 citizenship law, which critics say discriminates against Muslims. The riots left 53 people dead, most of them Muslims. The Supreme Court granted bail to five other accused in the same case but ruled that Khalid and Imam played a 'central role in the conspiracy', adding that the delay in trial was not sufficient grounds for bail.
Prosecutors argued that the violence was a deliberate plot to tarnish India's global image, claiming both activists made provocative speeches. Their lawyers denied the charges, saying there was no evidence linking them to the violence. Khalid's partner reported he was 'really happy for others who got bail' but described his situation as 'this is life now'.
Imam's uncle expressed shock at the ruling, saying he had high hopes for bail given the lack of evidence. Aakar Patel of Amnesty International India called the denial 'shameful', noting that neither individual should be in detention. He criticised the court for imposing a blanket one-year ban on future bail applications, calling it an undue restriction on their right to judicial review.
Last week, eight US lawmakers wrote to India's ambassador expressing concern over Khalid's prolonged detention, urging a fair and timely trial. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani also expressed support for Khalid.
