Sharjeel Imam

Human Rights Defender

Delhi

HRDA has issued an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission of India on September 10, 2020 regarding misuse of law, non-compliance with mandatory procedures, harassment and fabricated charges against PhD scholar Mr. Sharjeel Imam. 

Mr. Imam was imprisoned in Assam jail in January 2020 for protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act. He was re-arrested in FIR 59/2020 by the Special Cell of Delhi Police on August 25, 2020, and brought to Delhi. The FIR, registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and other stringent provisions of the Indian Penal Code, alleged he was part of a “premeditated conspiracy” behind the 23-25 February, 2020 riots in Delhi. 

Mr. Imam contracted Covid-19 while in Assam jail, while a rapid test turned negative results. After his re-arrest, he was remanded in police custody for four days, which was extended to one month. Police informed his brother about his arrest, but did not share the FIR copy, arrest warrant or notice with family members and lawyers.

Mr. Imam has been treated brutally and inhumanely over the past eight months. He was taken from one jail to another under terrible conditions against the clear directions of the apex court to de-congest prisons amid the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure arrests take place only in the cases where it is absolutely necessary.