Umar Khalid wins 2026 human rights award while remaining in jail in Delhi violence case

New Delhi: Former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) scholar and student activist Umar Khalid has been named a recipient of the 2026 Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk, presented by Ireland-based human rights organisation Front Line Defenders in Dublin.

Khalid could not attend the award ceremony as he had been in jail for more than six years in connection with the 2020 Delhi violence conspiracy case. He was arrested on September 13, 2020, and continues to be held in custody without trial.

Khalid, along with Sharjeel Imam and other accused in the case, faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the Arms Act and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

In its statement, Front Line Defenders described Khalid’s continued incarceration as reflective of a broader situation in India, citing what it termed the increasing use of anti-terror legislation against dissent, the influence of sections of the media on public opinion and restrictive bail conditions that can result in prolonged detention without conviction.

The organisation said such practices disproportionately affect human rights defenders, journalists and students exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

It also argued that Khalid’s February 2020 speech in Amravati, Maharashtra, which the prosecution has cited as evidence of an alleged premeditated conspiracy, did not constitute incitement.

During the speech, Khalid used the expressions “inquilabi salaam” (revolutionary salute) and “krantikari istiqbal” (revolutionary welcome) while commending people for peacefully opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

He also invoked Mahatma Gandhi and called for non-violent protests coinciding with the February 2020 visit of then US President Donald Trump to India.

Khalid is among five recipients of this year’s award, selected from different regions of the world.

The other awardees are Ahmadreza Haeri, an anti-death-penalty campaigner from Iran; Laurinda Manuel Gouveia, an advocate of feminist and participatory democracy from Angola; Adda Vyctoria Caetano, a Black transgender woman leader from Brazil; and Ljiljana Nešić, a feminist peace activist from Serbia.