Calls for UK Government to Secure Release of Jagtar Singh Johal After Acquittal

The UK Government faces calls to intervene for Jagtar Singh Johal’s release after his acquittal in Punjab. Mr. Johal, a Sikh activist, has faced torture and multiple charges since his arrest in 2017. Urgency in diplomatic efforts is advocated as he risks the death penalty despite lacking credible evidence. The UK continues to support his case, seeking a swift resolution that would reunite him with his family.

The British Government has been urged to intervene and secure the release of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British citizen and Sikh activist, who has been detained in India since 2017. Mr. Johal was arrested in Punjab while attending his wedding and has been acquitted in one of the charges against him. However, he continues to face multiple cases at the federal level, causing concerns regarding his prolonged imprisonment.

Mr. Johal’s family claims he suffered torture during his detention, including electric shocks, and was coerced into signing a false confession. Despite his acquittal, he is at risk of the death penalty due to existing charges related to his advocacy for Sikh rights. He has been in solitary confinement since 2019 and has been reported as arbitrarily detained by a United Nations panel.

During a scheduled meeting between British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister emphasized the need for urgent diplomatic efforts to facilitate Mr. Johal’s return to the UK. He stated, “This is a unique opportunity to secure a resolution with the Indian authorities and bring this young British man back to his family in Dumbarton.”

Dan Dolan from the advocacy group Reprieve expressed concerns over the continued threat to Mr. Johal’s life, noting an absence of credible evidence in the ongoing cases against him. He remarked, “Despite being cleared … Jagtar still faces the threat of the death penalty in the eight duplicate cases against him.”

The Sikh Federation acknowledged the acquittal as a significant advancement towards freedom for Mr. Johal and urged the UK Government to maintain pressure on Indian authorities. Federation spokesperson Dabinderjit Singh stated, “Jagtar’s acquittal today due to a lack of credible evidence is a massive step forward to get him released and back home to the UK.”

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office welcomed Mr. Johal’s acquittal, reaffirming its commitment to assist in his case. A spokesperson from the FCDO stated, “We welcome the progress in the case. The UK Government remains committed to working for faster progress on Jagtar’s case.”

In summary, Jagtar Singh Johal’s acquittal is a vital development in his lengthy struggle against unjust detention in India. Continued diplomatic efforts from the UK Government are essential to ensure his release and reunification with his family in Dumbarton. Advocacy groups and politicians emphasize the importance of maintaining pressure on Indian authorities to drop all charges against him and prevent further legal jeopardy.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk