The Human Rights Foundation (HRF), along with @Hindus4HR, @DAHRD_Official, @AIIndia, @InSAFIndia, @IAMCouncil, @UKIMC, @ScottishIndians, @IndiaAllianceParis, @SouthAsiaSolidarityUK, @StopRepression, @IndiaLabourSolidarity, @FreedomHouse, and @OBS_defenders urge the international community to take urgent and coordinated action to secure the immediate and unconditional release of Umar Khalid.

On Jan. 5, 2026, the Indian Supreme Court denied bail to human rights defender and student activist Umar Khalid, who has been detained for over five years without trial, in violation of India’s obligations under international human rights law.

Khalid was arrested on Sept. 13, 2020, after he became a prominent face of nationwide peaceful protests against the discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act. Khalid’s unfounded prosecution stems solely from the exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

It is time for the international community to take meaningful and coordinated action. Governments should publicly and privately call for Umar Khalid’s immediate and unconditional release and raise his case in all high-level diplomatic engagements. Read the full joint statement.