US Lawmakers Call for Justice: Eight Leaders Write in Support of Umar Khalid

​The world is watching as the case of Umar Khalid takes a significant turn on the global stage. Eight prominent lawmakers from the United States have officially stepped forward to express their concerns regarding the continued detention of the former JNU student and activist. In a formal letter addressed to the Indian Ambassador in Washington, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, these leaders have urged the Indian government to grant Khalid bail and ensure he receives a fair and timely trial. This move marks a high point in the international attention being paid to India’s legal processes and the use of anti-terror laws.

​Umar Khalid has been behind bars since September 2020. He was arrested in connection with the 2020 North East Delhi riots and charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. For over five years, Khalid has remained in jail without a trial, a fact that has raised alarm bells among human rights advocates and legal experts across the globe. The letter from the US lawmakers highlights a growing consensus that five years is far too long for a person to be held in pre-trial detention without being convicted of a crime.

​Who Are the Lawmakers Involved?

​The group of eight lawmakers is led by Jim McGovern, a Democrat from Massachusetts who serves as the Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. He was joined by several other influential figures in the US Congress and Senate. The signatories include Representative Jamie Raskin, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Peter Welch, and Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal, Jan Schakowsky, and Rashida Tlaib, along with Congressman Lloyd Doggett.

​These are not just random names; many of these individuals are deeply involved in human rights oversight and international relations. Their collective voice carries weight in the diplomatic circles of Washington D.C. By signing this letter, they are signaling that the case of Umar Khalid is no longer just a local judicial matter but a point of international concern regarding democratic values and the rule of law.

​A Plea for International Legal Standards

​The main argument presented in the letter is that India must uphold its commitment to international legal standards. The lawmakers pointed out that the principle of "presumption of innocence until proven guilty" is a cornerstone of any democratic justice system. They expressed worry that the prolonged detention of Khalid under the UAPA might contravene international standards of equality before the law, due process, and proportionality.

​In their letter, they asked the Indian government to share the specific steps being taken to ensure that the judicial proceedings against Khalid and his co-accused meet these global standards. They emphasized that while they respect India’s democratic institutions, the length of Khalid’s incarceration without a trial is difficult to justify. The lawmakers are essentially asking for a timeline and a commitment to transparency in a case that has seen dozens of adjournments and legal hurdles over the last half-decade.

​Meeting the Parents in Washington

​This letter did not come out of nowhere. It follows a recent visit to the United States by Umar Khalid’s parents. During their trip in December, they met with several US officials and lawmakers to advocate for their son. Jim McGovern publicly shared details of this meeting, stating that hearing the parents’ perspective personally moved him and his colleagues to take action.

​The human element of this story is hard to ignore. For five years, a family has been waiting for their son to have his day in court. This meeting in Washington helped bridge the gap between abstract legal concepts and the real-world suffering of a family caught in a long legal battle. It gave the lawmakers a firsthand look at the emotional toll that "indefinite" detention takes on individuals and their loved ones.

​The Role of New York’s New Mayor

​Interestingly, the lawmakers' letter coincides with another high-profile show of support from Zohran Mamdani, who was recently sworn in as the Mayor of New York City. Mamdani, who is of Indian origin, wrote a heartfelt personal note to Umar Khalid that was shared on social media by Khalid’s partner. In the note, Mamdani encouraged Khalid not to let "bitterness" consume him and mentioned his pleasure in meeting Khalid’s parents during their US visit.

​Mamdani has been a vocal supporter of Khalid for years, even reading Khalid’s prison writings at public events in New York. His elevation to the mayoralty of one of the world’s most influential cities has given his voice even more power. The combined pressure from the US Congress and the leadership of New York City suggests a coordinated effort by members of the Indian diaspora and American allies to keep Khalid’s name in the headlines.

​Where the Case Stands Today

​As of January 2026, the legal battle in India continues to move slowly. The Supreme Court of India recently reserved its judgment on the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and several others, including Sharjeel Imam. This means that after years of hearings, the court is finally at a stage where it will decide whether Khalid should be allowed to go home while the trial proceeds.

​The prosecution has consistently argued that the 2020 riots were a "well-orchestrated conspiracy" and that Khalid was one of the masterminds. On the other hand, Khalid’s lawyers have argued that the evidence is based on "conjecture and unreliable witnesses" and that no actual violence has been linked directly to his actions or speeches. They have highlighted that keeping someone in jail for nearly six years without a trial is a form of punishment in itself, which goes against the spirit of the Indian Constitution.

​Why This Matters for Global Democracy

​The intervention of US lawmakers is likely to be met with mixed reactions in India. Some may see it as an unnecessary interference in India’s internal judicial affairs. However, the lawmakers argue that in a globalized world, the health of democracy in one country affects others. They view India as a key partner and a fellow democracy, and they believe that voicing concerns about human rights is part of a healthy and honest relationship between two nations.

​The Aravallis are defined by their continuity, and the law is defined by its consistency. When a person is held for five years without a trial, it raises questions about the efficiency and fairness of the legal system. For the eight lawmakers who signed the letter, the goal is simple: they want to see the rule of law applied in a way that is visible, timely, and fair.

​A Final Thought on Justice Delayed

​The phrase "justice delayed is justice denied" is often used in legal circles, but it has never felt more relevant than in the case of Umar Khalid. Whether you believe the charges against him are serious or politically motivated, the fact remains that a trial is the only place where the truth can be established. By calling for bail and a fair trial, the US lawmakers are asking for the very thing that every legal system promises: a chance for a person to defend themselves.

​As we wait for the Supreme Court’s decision, the international spotlight remains fixed on Tihar Jail. The letter from Washington is a reminder that the world has not forgotten the young student who once spoke about peace and dissent. It is a call for India to demonstrate that its democratic foundations are strong enough to withstand scrutiny and provide justice for all its citizens, regardless of how long it takes.