Mumbai Ramadan event demands freedom for prisoners of conscience
Families of long-jailed detainees, rights activists gather in Mumbai urging release of those held under India anti-terror laws without conviction
NEW DELHI, India — A Ramadan iftar gathering in Mumbai turned into a pointed call for justice as former detainees, families and rights advocates demanded freedom for what they described as prisoners of conscience held under India’s anti-terror laws.
The event, organized by Innocence Network India in the Kurla area of Mumbai, marked its eighth year and drew a large audience made up largely of former undertrials and relatives of people still in prison. Organizers said the purpose was to highlight cases in which individuals spent years behind bars before acquittal or continue to face prolonged trials under stringent security legislation.
Wahid Shaikh, general secretary of the group and himself previously acquitted in a terrorism case, opened the meeting by referring to the Quranic story of Prophet Yusuf, who endured imprisonment despite innocence. He said protecting the liberty of political prisoners was essential to safeguarding freedom in wider society.
Sajid Ansari, acquitted in the 2006 Mumbai suburban train blast case after spending 19 years in jail, spoke about observing Ramadan at home for the first time in nearly two decades. He said being reunited with family brought relief but added that many others remained incarcerated. “We must work so that no innocent person spends another Ramzan in prison,” he said, urging solidarity across communities.
Sadiq Qureshi, a former detainee under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, known as UAPA, said campaigning for those charged under strict laws can itself invite legal risk. He argued that lengthy investigations and delays often make the legal process feel like punishment even before any conviction.
A written message from activist Rona Wilson, who could not attend, was read to the gathering, stressing the need to sustain public pressure for justice. Advocate Vinod Patil criticized what he described as sweeping conspiracy cases and weak safeguards against wrongful prosecution, saying once a conspiracy narrative takes hold, many individuals struggle to secure timely relief.
The gathering included individuals who were wrongly framed in high-profile terror cases such as the 2006 train blasts, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Bhima Koregaon investigation. Many present have been acquitted after long trials, while others continue to challenge charges in court.
India’s anti-terror framework, particularly UAPA, has faced scrutiny from civil liberties advocates who argue that strict bail conditions and broad definitions allow extended pre-trial detention. Government officials maintain the laws are necessary to counter militancy and protect national security.
The Mumbai event concluded with prayers and a resolution to continue campaigning for those believed to be wrongfully imprisoned. For participants, the iftar was both a religious observance during Ramadan and a public statement about due process, prolonged incarceration and the meaning of justice in a democratic society.
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