UK Government Urged to Secure Release of Jagtar Singh Johal After Acquittal
Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh activist, has been detained in India since 2017. He was recently acquitted of one charge but still faces multiple others, including the death penalty. Calls for UK government intervention continue as officials plan discussions with India. Advocacy groups highlight the lack of credible evidence in ongoing cases against him.
The UK government is being urged to assist in securing the release of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh activist detained in India since 2017. Although he has been acquitted of one case against him in Punjab, he still faces numerous federal charges. Johal’s situation has garnered attention from British officials, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy set to discuss his case during talks with Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Johal was arrested in Punjab while attending his wedding, reportedly abducted by unmarked vehicles, and faced allegations of torture during his detention, including electric shocks. A United Nations panel has acknowledged that Johal’s detainment was arbitrary, raising concerns about his treatment and the legitimacy of the charges. Despite his acquittal, Johal remains at risk of the death penalty due to ongoing cases against him.
MP Douglas McAllister emphasized the need for the UK government to take immediate diplomatic action to facilitate Johal’s return, noting that prolonged detention could lead to decades in prison based on unsupported charges. Advocacy group Reprieve underlined that the allegations against Johal lack credible evidence, as confirmed by judicial proceedings that found no supporting documentation or physical evidence.
The Sikh Federation celebrated Johal’s acquittal as a significant development, urging the UK government to maintain pressure on India to drop the remaining charges. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office expressed support for Johal’s case, indicating commitment to his family’s welfare and the possibility of swifter resolution. Recent meetings between Johal’s family and UK officials, including his brother and an MP, reflect ongoing advocacy efforts.
In summary, the case of Jagtar Singh Johal highlights significant concerns regarding human rights abuses and the treatment of detainees in India. His recent acquittal provides hope for a resolution, but persistent legal challenges and the threat of the death penalty remain. Advocacy groups, local MPs, and the UK government are called to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure Johal’s release and ensure a fair resolution to his case.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
