British Sikh activist released from Delhi jail after nine-year detention
Summary
Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh activist, was released from a Delhi prison after being held for nine years without a full trial. The Indian high court ordered his release after the government failed to respond to bail conditions, and the UK government and campaign groups had called for his release.Key Facts
- Johal was jailed in India since November 2017 on terrorism-related charges but was never fully tried.
- The Indian high court ordered his release on bail on 18 September, warning of contempt if he was not freed.
- Johal met all bail conditions, including surrendering his passport and regular reporting to authorities.
- His lawyers said he was detained illegally after meeting bail terms, violating his fundamental rights under Indian law.
- The Indian government accuses Johal of involvement with the Khalistan Liberation Force and a conspiracy linked to killings in Punjab.
- Campaign groups say there has been no credible evidence or trial, and Johal claims his confessions were made under torture.
- The UK Foreign Office and groups like Reprieve have supported his release.
- Prison officials sought permission from the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs to release Johal but received no reply until the court’s order.
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