February 23, 2021 The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and FIDH, has received new information and requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in India. New information: The Observatory has been informed about the temporary release on bail of Mr. Varavara Rao, an 80-year-old human rights defender who was held in detention for two and a half years pending trial at Taloja jail, Mumbai, Maharashtra State [1]. On February 22, 2021, the Mumbai High Court granted bail for six months to Mr. Rao on medical grounds. He was released on a 50,000 Rupees (approximately 570 Euros) bail and on condition that he: remains in Mumbai, within the jurisdiction of the Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court; attends the court whenever he is summoned; surrenders his passport to the NIA; refrains from hampering the investigation; and does not speak to the media about his case. At the time of publication of this urgent appeal, Mr. Rao is undergoing treatment in the Nanavati Hospital, in Mumbai.