After Mamdani's letter, 8 US lawmakers push 'fair trial' for Umar Khalid amid UAPA case

The intervention comes days after newly sworn-in New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly expressed solidarity with Khalid, amplifying global focus on the high-profile legal battle linked to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots.

US lawmakers write to Indian Ambassador

In a formal letter addressed to India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, the lawmakers called on Indian authorities to uphold international legal standards in the case of Umar Khalid.

The letter was led by senior Democrat Jim McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

The signatories include Congressman Jamie Raskin, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Peter Welch, Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal and Rashida Tlaib, Congressman Jan Schakowsky, and Congressman Lloyd Doggett.

Concerns over prolonged detention under UAPA

The lawmakers highlighted that Umar Khalid has been incarcerated for nearly five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) without being granted bail.

They noted that independent human rights experts have raised red flags over whether such extended detention aligns with international norms on due process, equality before the law, and proportionality.

Reiterating the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” the lawmakers urged India to either conduct Khalid’s trial within a reasonable timeframe or consider his release.

Meeting with Khalid’s parents

According to the letter, some of the US lawmakers met Umar Khalid’s parents earlier this month.

Jim McGovern later confirmed the meeting on social media, stating that the lawmakers had appealed for Khalid to receive bail and a fair, timely trial in line with international law.

Zohran Mamdani’s note

The lawmakers’ letter follows a personal message from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who recently met Khalid’s parents.

The note, shared online by Khalid’s partner Banojyotsna, reflected on Khalid’s past words about resisting bitterness and maintaining hope amid adversity.

Mamdani was sworn in as New York Mayor on Thursday, and his remarks have further elevated international interest in the case.

Interim bail for family wedding

Last month, a Delhi court at Karkardooma granted Umar Khalid interim bail to attend his sister Ayesha Fatima Syeda’s wedding.

He was released on provisional bail from December 16 to December 29, with the wedding taking place on December 27.

Case status and legal proceedings

Umar Khalid remains an accused in the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots and has been charge-sheeted under the UAPA.

His regular bail plea is currently pending before the Supreme Court.