Today, Voices For Freedom joins a global chorus of human rights organizations, led by Amnesty International, in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Indian human rights defender Umar Khalid. As he marks five years of unjust imprisonment without trial, Khalid’s case has become a stark symbol of the ongoing “derailment of justice” and the criminalization of dissent.
Amnesty International’s recent statement, co-signed by six other international human rights groups, powerfully highlights the travesty of justice in Khalid’s prolonged detention. Since his arrest on September 13, 2020, on politically motivated and baseless charges, Khalid has been a victim of a system that denies a fair and speedy trial — a right guaranteed under both the Constitution of India and international human rights law.
Khalid’s detention is not an isolated incident; it is part of a calculated and systematic pattern of repression. The Indian government is weaponizing anti-terrorism laws, such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), to silence critics. We have seen this draconian law used repeatedly against journalists, activists, and students who dare to speak up for human rights and constitutional values. This selective application of justice is deeply alarming. While those who incite violence walk free, peaceful protestors like Umar Khalid are held indefinitely behind bars, their freedom and futures stolen.
Voices For Freedom believes that the fight for justice is indivisible. An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The continued detention of Umar Khalid is a grave injustice that serves to intimidate and silence all who advocate for a more just and equitable society. It is a chilling message that dissent will not be tolerated and that exercising one’s fundamental rights can lead to indefinite imprisonment.
We stand in solidarity with Amnesty International and all those who are fighting for Umar Khalid’s freedom. His case is a litmus test for democracy in India, and the world is watching. In a strong call to action, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Umar Khalid and all other human rights defenders who have been detained simply for peacefully exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression. To ensure justice, it is imperative that bail standards are applied equally to all individuals, putting an end to the discriminatory use of laws against those who voice political dissent. Furthermore, we urge the government to uphold the right to a fair and speedy trial for all, as is guaranteed by both national and international law.
Freedom is not a gift; it is a fundamental right. Voices For Freedom will continue to amplify the voices of the oppressed and hold power to account.
