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Umar Khalid, a 36-year-old Indian activist, has been facing prolonged incarceration in a maximum security prison in Delhi. Khalid, who describes himself as an unemployed radical democrat, gained prominence in 2016 when he was charged with sedition for organizing a protest against the hanging of a Kashmiri man. In September 2020, he was arrested again and accused of being a key conspirator in violent clashes in Delhi that resulted in the deaths of 53 people. Khalid denies the charges and insists he only took part in a peaceful protest. Two police cases were filed against Khalid, but one has been dropped while the other is pending trial. He has been repeatedly denied bail due to the invocation of the stringent anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Khalid's lawyers have sought bail from the Supreme Court, but the case has faced numerous delays and is yet to be heard. The police have charged Khalid under the UAPA with terrorism, criminal conspiracy, engaging in unlawful activities, and rioting. They claim he was a remote supervisor and mastermind behind the riots, relying on witness statements, his membership in WhatsApp groups, phone calls made to him by other accused individuals, and his presence at various demonstrations. However, legal commentators argue that the evidence against Khalid is weak. In October 2022, a report by former Supreme Court and high court judges, along with a former home secretary, found no substantiating evidence to support the terrorism charges. They criticized the police for relying on unreliable material and highlighted inconsistencies in their claims. Khalid's lawyer challenged the denial of bail, stating that he has suffered two years of imprisonment based on hearsay statements from uncorroborated witnesses. Amnesty International has condemned the denial of bail to Khalid, calling it a blow to free expression and peaceful assembly in the country. They believe it sets a chilling precedent for dissenting views and reflects a shrinking space for critical voices. In prison, Khalid spends his time reading, writing applications for fellow inmates, and watching cricket on TV. He is also working on a prison diary that has captured the attention of publishers. His family is permitted limited contact with him, including a weekly video call and occasional physical visits. Khalid's partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, describes their relationship as "long-distance" while being in the same city since they communicate across a glass partition during prison visits. Despite the challenges, Khalid remains spirited, according to Lahiri. She visits him regularly and brings him new books to read. Khalid has read close to 200 books during his incarceration and has even purchased bookshelves to store the ones he returns after finishing them. In his prison ward, Khalid shares space with convicted criminals, including murderers. He often questions why he is among them during his meetings with Lahiri.