Key Facts

• The Supreme Court of India granted bail to five Muslim students and activists in a 2020 Delhi riots case.
• Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, high-profile scholars, did not receive bail and remain in jail awaiting trial.
• Protests in 2020 emerged in response to India's amended citizenship law, which excludes Muslims.
• The 2020 riots in Delhi resulted in more than 50 deaths, mostly Muslims, following clashes involving Hindu right-wing groups.
• The citizenship law expedites citizenship for persecuted non-Muslim minorities from neighboring countries.
• The Delhi Police have been accused of bias against Muslims, with claims of conspiring charges against protest leaders.
• Many arrested protesters face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which makes bail difficult to obtain.
• The Modi government’s handling of protests and subsequent arrests has drawn international criticism from human rights groups.