Owaisi Blasts Congress for Blocking Bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam

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AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has accused the Congress of playing a role in denying bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Speaking to a crowd in Amravati, Maharashtra, ahead of the January 15 civic elections, Owaisi claimed that the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was enacted during a Congress-led government. The Hyderabad MP stated that the law's definition of terrorism is being misused to target Muslims, Dalits, and tribals, citing the denial of bail to Khalid and Imam by the Supreme Court. Owaisi also pointed to the 2019 amendment to UAPA, which was supported by the Congress, and the subsequent death of Stan Swamy in jail due to the law. The Supreme Court had refused bail to Khalid and Imam on January 5, but granted it to five others, citing the 'hierarchy of participation'. Owaisi criticized the Congress for its alleged role in the denial of bail, saying that the party's emphasis on secularism during elections is a ruse to gain votes, while in reality, they are enemies of marginalized communities.