Jagtar Singh Johal Released on Bail, But Remains Under “Grave Danger” in Delhi

Jagtar Singh Johal, a human rights activist from Dumbarton, has been released from prison in India on bail after nearly nine years of detention. However, campaigners and family members warn that his situation remains precarious, as he continues to face severe legal restrictions and the potential threat of capital punishment.

Johal was initially arrested in 2017 shortly after travelling to India for his wedding. While he has now walked out of prison, his supporters maintain that his ordeal is far from over.

Legal Limbo and “Trumped-Up” Charges

Dan Dolan, deputy chief executive of the human rights organization Reprieve, emphasized that despite his release, Johal is not a free man. He remains confined to Delhi under stringent bail conditions, which include the surrender of his passport and a prohibition on discussing his legal case.

“He is still facing the death penalty on what are completely trumped-up political charges, which are based on a confession he gave under torture,” Mr. Dolan stated. He noted that the environment in Delhi is particularly difficult for Johal, who has no family support in the city and remains isolated under the constant shadow of multiple outstanding legal cases.

The United Nations has previously classified Johal’s imprisonment as an act of arbitrary detention, alleging that he has endured psychological torture. Indian authorities have consistently denied these claims, asserting that the judicial process has been handled in accordance with the law.

Calls for Diplomatic Intervention

The focus has now shifted to the UK government, with persistent calls for the Foreign Office to secure a deal that would allow Johal to return to his family in Scotland. Douglas McAllister, the MP for West Dunbartonshire, expressed frustration over the perceived lack of progress by successive governments.

“The fight is not over,” Mr. McAllister said. “There are eight outstanding cases hanging over him. These charges, if convicted, carry the death penalty.” The MP noted that he has received assurances from Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband that the case remains a top priority, but insisted that the government must adopt a more aggressive diplomatic approach to bring a “swift conclusion” to the ordeal.

A Family’s Bittersweet Relief

For the Johal family, the bail decision brings mixed emotions. Gurpreet Singh Johal, the activist’s brother, described the release as a “moment of joy, but also of sorrow,” reflecting on the nearly nine-year timeline to reach this stage of the legal proceedings.

While Johal was acquitted last year in a case involving allegations of financial support for a terror group, he still faces federal charges related to similar accusations. The UK government has confirmed it is providing ongoing consular support to the family.

“The UK has consistently raised concerns about Mr. Johal’s prolonged pre-trial detention and the importance of a full investigation into the allegations of torture and mistreatment,” a UK government spokesperson stated. They confirmed that the Foreign Secretary has most recently raised the matter with his Indian counterpart as recently as late September, noting that his release on bail is “not the end of the process.”

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