The stir has once again intensified at the international level regarding former JNU student and activist Umar Khalid, who is lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. After New York Mayor Zoharan Mamdani wrote a letter in support of Omar Khalid, now eight US lawmakers have appealed to the Indian government to give Khalid a fair trial as per international law. This letter has been sent to India’s Ambassador to America Vinay Kwatra.

American lawmakers wrote a letter to the Indian Ambassador
The letter is led by Jim McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, and Tom Lantos, Co-Chair of the Human Rights Commission. He is a Democrat MP from the second parliamentary district of Massachusetts. Along with him, seven other MPs have also signed this letter.

Had met Umar Khalid’s parents in December
The letter states that Jim McGovern and other MPs had met Omar Khalid’s parents in early December. After this he appealed to the Government of India to intervene in this matter.

Umar Khalid is in jail without bail for 5 years
Jim McGovern wrote on X, ‘Earlier this month I met Omar Khalid’s parents. Umar Khalid has been in jail without trial for more than 5 years in India. We, along with our allies, are demanding that he be granted bail and given a fair and timely trial as per international law.

Presumed innocent until proven guilty
The MPs said India should ensure that any person arrested gets a trial within a reasonable time or is released. He demanded that the Indian government provide information on how the ongoing judicial process against Umar Khalid and other co-accused is in accordance with international standards.

Which MPs signed the letter
Signers of this letter include Jamie Raskin, Chris Van Hollen, Peter Welch, Pramila Jayapal, Rashida Tlaib, John Schakowsky, Lloyd Doggett. Earlier, New York’s new Mayor Zohran Mamdani had also written a note in support of Umar Khalid, which was shared by Khalid’s friend Bano Jyotsna on social media.

Mamdani wrote, ‘I often remember what you said about bitterness and think how important it is not to let it dominate you. Nice to meet your parents. We are all missing you.

Granted interim bail to attend sister’s wedding
Recently, Karkardooma Court of Delhi had granted temporary bail to Umar Khalid to attend his sister’s wedding. Omar Khalid’s sister Ayesha Fatima Syed was married on 27 December. He was granted interim bail from 16 December to 29 December.

A charge sheet has been filed against Umar Khalid under UAPA in the alleged conspiracy case of Delhi riots. His regular bail petition is currently pending in the Supreme Court.