US Lawmakers Demand Bail, Fair Trial for Umar Khalid; Question Prolonged Detention

• Eight US Democratic lawmakers wrote to India's Ambassador, demanding bail and a fair, timely trial for Umar Khalid.
• Khalid, a former JNU student, has been in Tihar Jail for over five years under UAPA without trial in the 2020 Delhi riots case.
• Led by Jim McGovern and Jamie Raskin, the letter expressed concern over prolonged detention and international legal standards.
• Lawmakers questioned why judicial proceedings haven't begun after five years and urged due process for Khalid.
• Khalid has received interim bail on limited occasions for family events, with conditions like no social media use.

Why It Matters: US lawmakers press India for Umar Khalid's bail and fair trial, citing concerns over his five-year detention.