India's High Court Fails to Release Detained Anti-Riots Activists After Bail Grants
The Indian Supreme Court has granted bail to five Muslim students and activists who were imprisoned for more than five years over their alleged involvement in 2020 religious riots in New Delhi, but two other prominent defendants Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam remain under detention.
India's Supreme Court granted bail to five Muslim students and activists held for over five years in connection with 2020 Delhi riots, but did not release Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam due to alleged threats against them. The court is believed to be cautious of potential backlash if they were to release the two key figures accused of inciting violence during the riots. Khalid and Imam had been held without charge for over 500 days as part of a government crackdown on protests following the riots in February 2020. Their continued detention has raised concerns about freedom of speech and expression in India.
