The Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Malik Moatasim Khan, has expressed grave concern and disappointment over the Delhi High Court judgment delivered on September 2, in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.
In a statement, the JIH Vice President said, “The High Court’s dismissal of bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and several other activists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is extremely disheartening. These young people have now spent nearly five years in jail without their trial commencing in earnest. Justice delayed in this manner amounts to justice denied. Prolonged pre-trial incarceration effectively becomes punishment by process.”
Mr. Khan highlighted that denial of bail despite prolonged incarceration effectively amounts to presumption of guilt instead of upholding the principle that bail is the norm and jail the exception. “The criminal justice system in India rests on the foundational principle of innocence until proven guilty. Unfortunately, this judgment compromises that principle,” he observed.
The JIH Vice President stated, “We are also troubled by the continued misuse of UAPA against student activists and civil society members for their participation in peaceful anti-CAA protests. Invoking a draconian anti-terror law against individuals exercising their democratic right to dissent sets a dangerous precedent….”
[Read more on Radiancenews.com]