Jagtar Singh Johal Moved to Solitary Confinement After Acquittal
A British Sikh individual, incarcerated in India under terrorism allegations for over seven years, has reportedly been placed in solitary confinement, as stated by both his sibling and a human rights organization.
Jagtar Singh Johal from Dumbarton was arrested during a visit to Punjab several weeks following his wedding in 2017. He faced allegations of involvement in a string of targeted assassinations targeting religious and political leaders.
Nine criminal cases were initiated against him in both Punjab and Delhi; however, he was cleared in the initial case last month.
His relatives and legal representatives have consistently maintained that the case against him relies predominantly on a confession obtained through intense coercion.
Gurpreet Singh Johal, Jagtar Singh Johal's brother, reported during an All Party Parliamentary Group meeting about arbitrary detentions on Wednesday that his sibling’s situation had deteriorated following the acquittal in the initial case. He also mentioned that the family felt let down due to the lack of prompt action from the UK government.
Mr Johal stated, "Jagtar’s situation in prison has worsened. His fundamental privileges have been revoked, and he is now kept in solitary confinement, unable to interact with other inmates."
Consequently, he feels mentally tormented.
Mr. Johal informed them that even though his brother was previously kept in solitary confinement at times, the current circumstances he endures are the harshest he has experienced in many years.
He mentioned that March 4th was a joyous day for his family due to Jagtar's acquittal in the initial case. They were hopeful that the remaining charges might also be dismissed since they rely on similar evidence.
Mr Johal stated that the British government missed a chance to intervene and demand his complete exoneration of all remaining charges as well as his liberation.
He went on: "The Foreign Secretary has extended an invitation for a meeting, which is scheduled about seven to eight weeks from now. However, we feel this meeting needs to occur much sooner."
At present, we do not perceive the urgency, and it is essential for us to witness actions taken by the government.
The human rights organization Reprieve stated that this was the time to ensure Jagtar's liberation.
Deputy Executive Director Dan Dolan stated, "The British government should seize this opportunity and declare 'it’s imperative we bring him back immediately,' without showing any disregard for the Indian legal framework, which upholds this belief. An Indian tribunal has ruled Jagtar as not guilty."
In the present administration, the political leaders' tone seems to have shifted at minimum. These days, we don't hear as much discussion about legal procedures.
However, the real test is in the implementation, and we'll have to see whether that stance has changed both substantially and verbally.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office along with the Indian High Commission (IHC) has been asked for their input on this matter.
The IHC has consistently refuted allegations of mistreating Jagtar Singh Johal.
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