Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – On his completion of 1400 days in jail, a social media campaign was launched on Saturday demanding the release of Umar Khalid and other Muslim activists languishing in jail for the last four years.
On Saturday, the campaign was launched with the hashtags #UmarKhalid1400DaysInJail and #ReleasePoliticalPrisoners, seeking the release of Khalid Saifi, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima and Shahrukh Khan. These activists were leading the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) but are in jail over the allegation of conspiring riots in northeast Delhi in 2020.
The incarceration of Khalid and other activists was described as “travesty of justice” and punishment for speaking up against the present government.
Bollywood actors Richa Chadha, Sushant Singh, comedian Kunal Kamra and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha are among the prominent people who took part in the social media campaign and demanded the release of Khalid and other activists.
On this occasion, Khalid’s mother Sabiha Khanum said that she is proud of her son for not bowing down to tyrants.
“Dear Umar, my son, you are away from us and facing the difficulties of imprisonment for the last 1400 days and it is regretful. But we are proud that you did not bow down in front of the Pharaoh of the time. But you raised your voice against draconian laws like the CAA,” said Khanum in a video message.
“I’m sure that the dark night of oppression will come to an end and the sun of hope will appear. Salute to you and your companions,” she added.
Khalid’s sister said that it has been over four years since he was incarcerated. “It is so unfair. We miss you. We think of you every day. We are proud of you,” she said.
Rajya Sabha MP and RJD Spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha said that the incarceration of human rights defenders like Khalid is grave injustice and affront to democracy.
“The imprisonment of academics and human rights defenders without due process is a grave injustice and an affront to democracy. These individuals should be celebrated for their contributions, not silenced by unlawful incarceration. #freeallpoliticalprisoners #FreeUmarKhalid,” Jha said.
He further said “Academics and human rights defenders belong in classrooms, spending time in research, working for the backward in society — not behind bars. Umar’s and others’ unjust imprisonment has not only silenced critical voices but is also eroding our democratic values”.
Noted human rights activist Teesta Setalvad said the incarceration of people like Khalid is a travesty of justice.
Prominent journalist Saba Naqvi said “This is an EMERGENCY. 1400 days in jail without trial. I still have never understood what #UmarKhalid is guilty of his identity and ideology. Shame on us and the criminal justice system”.
Another journalist Hartosh Singh Bal said “That Umar Khalid should still be in jail, a man of exemplary courage and beliefs, while criminals exercise power is exactly what is wrong with ‘bharat’”.
