…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has reached out to the Prime Minister, urging him to intervene and request the Indian government to release Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish Sikh blogger who has been incarcerated in India for over five years.
Yousaf asserts that Johal’s imprisonment is unjust and calls upon Rishi Sunak to adopt a direct approach to advance the case.
Unjust Arrest and Imprisonment:
Jagtar Singh Johal, a resident of Dumbarton, traveled to Punjab, northern India, in 2017 for his wedding.
According to his family, he was unexpectedly apprehended and forcibly taken away in an unmarked vehicle.
Allegations have been made that Johal has been subjected to torture, including electric shocks, and now faces the threat of the death penalty due to his activism and advocacy for Sikh human rights.
Persistent Advocacy for Release:
Earlier this month, Humza Yousaf met with Gurpreet Singh Johal, Jagtar Singh Johal’s brother, affirming his commitment to continue advocating for Johal’s release.
In a letter addressed to Rishi Sunak, the First Minister highlights that Jagtar has spent over 2,000 days in Indian custody.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded in May 2022 that his imprisonment was arbitrary and violated international human rights law.
The report unequivocally recommended Johal’s immediate release, but he remains behind bars.
Direct Appeal for Immediate Release:
In his letter, the First Minister appeals to Rishi Sunak to directly approach the Government of India and request the immediate release of Jagtar Singh Johal in accordance with the UN Working Group’s clear recommendation.
Yousaf emphasizes that such action would provide the family with the reassurance that the UK Government is prioritizing the safeguarding of a citizen who has been wrongfully imprisoned.
Seeking Response from the UK Government
No comment has been provided by the UK Government at this time regarding the appeal made by Scotland’s First Minister on behalf of Jagtar Singh Johal.