### US Lawmakers Express Concerns Over Umar Khalid's Prolonged Detention in India A group of eight U.S. lawmakers has formally expressed their concerns regarding the prolonged detention of Indian activist Umar Khalid, who has been held for over five years without trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The lawmakers, including Representatives Jim McGovern and Jamie Raskin, have written to Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, urging for a fair and timely trial in accordance with international law. This appeal comes amid growing scrutiny from human rights organizations and legal experts questioning the fairness of the legal proceedings surrounding Khalid's case [https://www.rediff.com/news/report/us-lawmakers-write-to-indian-envoy-over-umar-khalids-detention/20260102.htm][https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-indian-envoy-seeking-fair-and-timely-trial-for-activist-umar-khalid-19813417.htm]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of Umar Khalid's Detention** - Khalid has been detained for over five years without trial under the UAPA, raising concerns about civil liberties and human rights violations [https://www.businesstoday.in/world/us/story/umar-khalid-case-us-lawmakers-appeal-to-govt-on-prolonged-detention-without-trial-509141-2026-01-02]. - The U.S. lawmakers' letter highlights the need for a fair judicial process, emphasizing that prolonged pre-trial detention contradicts international norms [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3747534-us-lawmakers-advocate-for-fair-trial-of-activist-umar-khalid]. 2. **Details of the Lawmakers' Appeal** - The letter was sent to the Indian Ambassador on January 2, 2026, and calls for Khalid to be granted bail and a fair trial [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/top-headlines/us-lawmakers-urge-india-to-free-riot-accused-khalid]. - The lawmakers have met with Khalid's parents, further emphasizing their commitment to advocating for his rights [https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/jan/02/thinking-of-you-zohran-mamdani-pens-note-to-umar-khalid-as-us-lawmakers-urge-india-to-ensure-him-fair-trial]. 3. **International Reactions and Implications** - The appeal from U.S. lawmakers has drawn attention to the broader implications of Khalid's case on civil liberties in India, particularly regarding the use of anti-terror laws [https://www.outlookindia.com/national/zohran-mamdani-us-lawmakers-seek-bail-for-umar-khalid-ahead-of-sc-hearing]. - The situation has sparked discussions about the balance between national security and individual rights, with critics arguing that Khalid's detention exemplifies the misuse of the UAPA [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/diaspora/us-lawmakers-write-to-indian-envoy-seeking-fair-and-timely-trial-for-activist-umar-khalid]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Duration of Detention**: Khalid has been in pre-trial detention for over **five years**, which is highlighted as excessive by the lawmakers [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3747534-us-lawmakers-advocate-for-fair-trial-of-activist-umar-khalid]. - **Legal Framework**: The UAPA has been criticized for allowing extended detention without trial, raising concerns about its implications for civil liberties [https://www.businesstoday.in/world/us/story/umar-khalid-case-us-lawmakers-appeal-to-govt-on-prolonged-detention-without-trial-509141-2026-01-02]. - **International Attention**: The case has garnered significant media coverage and attention from human rights organizations, indicating a growing international concern over Khalid's treatment [https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-indian-envoy-seeking-fair-and-timely-trial-for-activist-umar-khalid-19813417.htm]. ### Conclusion and Key Findings In summary, the prolonged detention of Umar Khalid has raised significant concerns among U.S. lawmakers, who are advocating for his right to a fair trial. The following points summarize the key findings: 1. **Prolonged Detention**: Khalid's over five-year detention without trial under the UAPA is viewed as a violation of international legal standards [https://www.rediff.com/news/report/us-lawmakers-write-to-indian-envoy-over-umar-khalids-detention/20260102.htm]. 2. **Call for Fair Trial**: The U.S. lawmakers' letter emphasizes the need for a fair and timely trial, urging Indian authorities to grant bail [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/top-headlines/us-lawmakers-urge-india-to-free-riot-accused-khalid]. 3. **Broader Implications**: The case highlights the ongoing debate about civil liberties in India, particularly concerning the application of anti-terror laws [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3747534-us-lawmakers-advocate-for-fair-trial-of-activist-umar-khalid]. This situation continues to evolve, and the international community is closely monitoring developments regarding Khalid's case and the implications for human rights in India.