Delhi riots case: Why won’t India release Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam?
Al Jazeera••world
Key Points:
- India’s Supreme Court granted bail to five Muslim students and activists detained for over five years in connection with the 2020 New Delhi religious riots, but denied bail to prominent scholars Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who remain in Tihar jail awaiting trial.
- The 2020 riots followed protests against a 2019 citizenship law change perceived as discriminatory against Muslims, leading to violent clashes where over 50 people, mostly Muslims, were killed and hundreds arrested under anti-terror laws.
- The accused, including student leaders and activists, face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which allows prolonged detention without trial and is criticized for targeting marginalized groups, especially Muslims.
- The case has become a symbol of institutional
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