Background

Abdur Rehman is a Muslim Human Rights defender, Student Activist, and the President of Shibli National College Students’ Union, Azamgarh. He is vocal on issues of atrocities against minorities in India, especially the Muslim community and minority rights.

Born and raised in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rehman was a student of B.Com at Shibli College and Hafiz-e-Quran. Growing up in Azamgarh, Rehman was affected by the way Azamgarh was perceived in mainstream media and the criminalisation of Muslims from Azamgarh after the Fake Batla House encounter. He has actively worked for student issues at Shibli College. He was elected the President of Shibli National College Students’ Union in 2019. He led the anti-CAA movement in Azamgarh and has been an advocate of minority rights. He has actively worked on ground for community mobilazation and awareness.

During the lockdown in 2020, he volunteered to pick up food from homes and distribute it among the hungry and daily-wage earners who faced the brunt of a sudden nation-wide lockdown. With the help of local mosques he was able to provide help and relief to the under-privileged and the impoverished.

Charges and Allegations

In 2022, Abdur Rehman organised a protest against the offensive remarks of former BJP Spokesperson, Nupur Sharma against Prophet Mohammed. He was arrested on May 29, 2022. A case had been lodged against him under IPC section 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs).

Current Status

Abdur Rehman was released on bail on May 31, 2022.