UN Panel Calls For Immediate Release Of Umar Khalid; Declares Detention Arbitrary
A United Nations expert panel has ruled the prolonged detention of Indian student activist and former JNU research scholar Umar Khalid as arbitrary, which lacks a legal basis. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) determined that Khalid’s imprisonment fell under four categories of arbitrary detention.
The Working Group said that Khalid’s deprivation of liberty stems from his peaceful exercise of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, assembly, association, and participation in public affairs, rights protected under international human rights law.
Khalid remained a prominent voice in the 2019-2020 nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which critics argue discriminates against Muslims.
He was arrested on September 13, 2020, and faces charges of terrorism, sedition, and conspiracy in the February 2020 Delhi riots case.
Evidence cited includes a speech mentioning revolution and his passive membership in a WhatsApp group.
Khalid’s trial has not been initiated even after five years of his confinement. His bail application have beenn repeatedly denied, most recently the Supre Court in January 2026.
A petition by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), highlights fair trial violations, vague application of laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), discriminatory targeting and excessive pretrial detention. The Indian government did not respond to the UN’s communication.
The UN experts have urged the Indian government to immediatly release Khalid and provide him with enforceable compensation and reparations under international law.
