An iftar, dua, and public meeting were held at CESA, Kurla West, to show solidarity with political prisoners. The event was organised by Innocence Network India and marked its eighth year. Former prisoners and their families made up almost 80 percent of the audience.
Focus on Innocent Prisoners
The speakers highlighted the struggles of innocent undertrials and convicts who continue to remain in prisons across India. Wahid Shaikh, the general secretary of Innocence Network India, opened the meeting by referring to the story of Prophet Yusuf. He said that even in the face of imprisonment, helping fellow inmates was a duty for society. “Protecting the liberty of political prisoners is essential to safeguarding the freedom of society at large,” he said.
Former Prisoners Share Their Stories
Sajid Ansari, recently acquitted in the 7/11 Mumbai train blast case after spending 19 years in jail, spoke about his first Ramzan at home in nearly two decades. “Being with my family is a relief, but my thoughts remain with those still behind bars. Solidarity should go beyond caste, creed, and religion. We must work so that no innocent person spends another Ramzan in prison,” he said. He added that democracy should be judged by how it treats the innocent, calling the current system “demonocracy.”
Former UAPA detainee Sadiq Qureshi shared his experience, saying that campaigning for others under strict laws can lead to personal arrests. “Fear cannot guide conscience. The laws and delays make the process itself a punishment,” he said.
A message from Rona Wilson, who could not attend, was read to the audience. He emphasised that gatherings like these are important to renew solidarity and continue the fight for justice.
Advocate and former prisoner Vinod Patil also spoke, joking that the audience seemed to hold a “PhD in the criminal justice system.” He then criticised sweeping conspiracy cases and the lack of proper legal safeguards, saying many people get drawn into the system once a conspiracy narrative takes hold.
High-Profile Attendees
The event saw the presence of former prisoners from high-profile cases, including Fahim Ansari from the 26/11 case, Sajid Ansari and others from the 7/11 case, Vernon Gonsalves and Anand Teltumbde from the Bhima Koregaon case, and Afroz Khan Pathan from the Aurangabad arms haul case. Former undertrials linked to the Indian Mujahideen and Popular Front of India cases were also present.
Conclusion and Dua
The gathering included speeches, a dua led by Maulana Gulam Yahya for the release of political prisoners, breaking the fast, Maghrib prayers, and dinner. The meeting concluded with a resolution to continue working for the release of those believed to be wrongfully imprisoned and to hold the annual event in the coming years.
“Even in difficult times, we must not lose hope. Organise, speak, and work so that no innocent person spends another Ramzan in prison,” said Sajid Ansari, summarising the spirit of the gathering.
