US religious freedom commission accuses India of misusing anti-terror laws

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has accused India of “weaponising” its anti-terrorism legislation, specifically the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), to detain religious minorities. The commission urged the U.S. State Department to pressure Indian authorities to release prisoners identified as victims of religious freedom violations.

The statement follows the Delhi High Court's decision to grant bail to Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh activist who had been in custody for nearly nine years. Johal faces allegations involving targeted killings and links to the Khalistan Liberation Force, which he denies. The court noted that his prolonged incarceration without a concluded trial could not effectively serve as punishment before conviction.

Additionally, the USCIRF called for the release of Muslim activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who have been in judicial custody for six years in connection with a conspiracy case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The commission stated that these individuals are being detained for “simply engaging in peaceful protests.”