US Lawmakers Urge India: Grant Bail, Timely Trial for Umar Khalid

• Eight US Democratic lawmakers wrote to India's Ambassador, urging bail and timely trial for activist Umar Khalid.
• Khalid has been in custody for over five years without trial under UAPA in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots.
• Representatives Jim McGovern and Jamie Raskin spearheaded the letter, questioning prolonged detention against international norms.
• Concerns were raised over the extended use of pretrial detention under India's anti-terror legislation and its implications for civil liberties.
• Khalid recently received interim bail for his sister's wedding, a temporary relief granted previously on similar grounds.

Why It Matters: US lawmakers press India for due process and timely trial for Umar Khalid, citing prolonged detention.