UK Government Urged to Secure Release of Jagtar Singh Johal After Acquittal

Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh activist detained in India since 2017, was recently acquitted of one charge. He continues to face multiple allegations with no credible evidence. The UK Government is urged to act decisively to secure his release during talks with Indian officials, as he remained in solitary confinement and subject to potential death penalties.

The British Government is being urged to take action to secure the freedom of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British national detained in India. Mr. Johal, a Sikh activist residing in Dumbarton, was arrested in 2017 during his wedding celebrations in Punjab. While he has been acquitted in one case against him, he continues to face multiple charges at a federal level, which could result in a lengthy imprisonment due to lack of evidence.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is scheduled to meet Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss trade and investment, and local MP Douglas McAllister emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to facilitate Mr. Johal’s release. Mr. Johal’s situation is particularly dire as he has reportedly been subjected to torture, including electric shocks, and is facing the death penalty due to his advocacy for Sikh rights.

Despite being cleared of one charge, Mr. Johal is still vulnerable to the death penalty in eight additional cases with similar allegations that lack credible evidence. Dan Dolan from the advocacy group Reprieve noted that the prosecution has failed to present substantial evidence, such as documents or electronic trails, to substantiate their claims, leading the court to dismiss the case against him.

The Sikh Federation expressed optimism regarding Mr. Johal’s recent acquittal, viewing it as a significant step toward his eventual release. They urged the UK Government to maintain pressure on India to expedite the resolution of remaining charges, allowing Mr. Johal to return to his family. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has acknowledged the acquittal and reiterated its commitment to support Mr. Johal and his family.

In summary, the urgency to advocate for the release of Jagtar Singh Johal is underscored by the recent acquittal in his case. His continued detention, even in the face of insufficient evidence, highlights significant human rights concerns. The British Government’s diplomatic efforts during discussions with India may be pivotal in securing Mr. Johal’s freedom soon and reuniting him with his family.

The case of Jagtar Singh Johal illustrates serious concerns regarding human rights and legal processes in India. Despite his recent acquittal, he remains at risk of severe penalties due to pending charges without credible evidence. Continued pressure from the UK Government is essential to ensure his timely return to his family and to address broader issues affecting justice for individuals facing similar predicaments.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk