Scottish activist Jagtar Singh Johal has spent over seven years in an Indian prison following his abduction in 2017. Initially accused of terrorism and conspiracy, he has faced numerous unproven charges, with claims of torture during custody. Recent acquittal on one case raises hope for his release, amidst ongoing concerns regarding the legal process and treatment of minorities in India, prompting calls for urgent intervention.
Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish activist, has endured more than seven years imprisoned in India after being forcibly abducted in November 2017 while celebrating his wedding in Punjab. His family contends that he was unlawfully taken and has not been convicted of any crimes, facing multiple cases instead. Amid claims by the Indian government labeling him a terrorism threat, his family advocates for his immediate release after enduring a protracted ordeal they describe as a “seven-year nightmare.”
The charges against Jagtar range from ties to a terrorist organization to conspiracy to commit murder, focusing on his alleged involvement with the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). Officials assert he financed acts of terrorism, allegedly aiding in the violent targeting of religious and political figures. However, the specifics of his involvement remain uncertain, with his lack of a criminal history casting doubt upon the accusations.
Initial reports of Jagtar’s arrest led his brother Gurpreet to believe he had been abducted, later learning about the torture Jagtar faced in custody. Jagtar provided a note to his lawyer, illustrating the abuse he endured, including electric shocks and threats from authorities. Additionally, a controversial video purportedly showing him confessing to various acts raised further concerns about due process and the legitimacy of his charges.
The legal proceedings for Jagtar have experienced significant delays over the past seven years, with numerous hearings lacking credible, admissible evidence. His representatives argue that his confession was coerced and that the overall prosecution is founded on unreliable testimony. Recent developments in a case heard in Punjab led to his acquittal on all charges.
The judge ruled that the prosecution fell short in proving Jagtar’s alleged criminal activities, with no substantiated evidence or witnesses corroborating their claims. Despite the acquittal, three co-defendants received shorter sentences for other crimes, while Jagtar remains incarcerated, awaiting more serious charges in Delhi.
Concerns about the prosecution’s evidence have been echoed by legal experts, highlighting that critical pieces were unsubstantiated or fabricated. Many witnesses have retracted their statements, claiming coercion, which calls into question the prosecution’s integrity. Jagtar’s case reflects broader critiques of India’s harsh legal framework against terrorism, particularly regarding minority rights.
As the legal battle continues, calls for action have intensified, with UK government officials emphasizing the urgent need for Jagtar’s release. Gurpreet recently expressed renewed hope following the acquittal, advocating for immediate government intervention to resolve their family’s ordeal, which has persisted for years. The UK Foreign Office has stated its commitment to addressing Jagtar’s case and supporting his family through this ongoing legal struggle.
The case of Jagtar Singh Johal highlights significant issues concerning due process and the treatment of activists in India. After enduring seven years of imprisonment without a conviction, recent developments offer some hope as he has been acquitted of some charges. However, the overarching concerns regarding the reliability of the prosecution’s evidence against him raise alarm about the legal framework in which such cases are managed. As international attention on his case increases, there is a pressing need for governmental action to secure Jagtar’s release and rectify the injustices he has faced during his prolonged detention.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
