Scottish Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal freed on bail after nine years in Indian prison
Summary
Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish Sikh activist, was released on bail after nearly nine years in an Indian prison without being convicted. He faces serious charges connected to alleged terrorist acts, which he denies, and remains restricted by bail conditions including surrendering his passport.Key Facts
- Johal was arrested in Punjab, India, in 2017 soon after his wedding.
- He was accused of involvement in killings of religious and political figures linked to the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), which seeks a separate Sikh state.
- He denies the allegations and claims he was targeted for his blogging about human rights abuses against Sikhs in India.
- A UN panel called his detention arbitrary in 2022, and he has reported being tortured, which Indian officials deny.
- Johal was acquitted in one financial support case but still faces charges in eight other cases that could lead to the death penalty.
- His bail was granted because the trial is not expected to finish soon, but he must surrender his passport and avoid media comments.
- His family and legal team say no strong evidence has been presented to prove his guilt.
- Human rights groups have welcomed his bail but warn he is not yet safe and call for efforts to bring him back to the UK.
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