Arrest of Jagtar Singh Johal

Jagtar Singh Johal was arrested in India in November 2017 after UK spy agencies reportedly provided information to Indian authorities about him. According to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, his detention is arbitrary and based on discriminatory grounds due to his status as a human rights defender, political activism, religious faith, and opinions. Johal has been held without trial since his arrest and is currently in Tihar jail. Johal faces charges related to murders and alleged links to the Khalistan Liberation Force, but no judicially admissible evidence has been presented against him. His lawyer claims there is no evidence linking him to any crimes, suggesting he is being detained illegally. Johal himself alleges he was tortured and forced to sign false confessions, though these claims have not been independently verified. The Indian government denies any mistreatment or torture in his case. International human rights groups, including those in the UK, have raised concerns about his detention and treatment. Over 140 UK MPs have urged the UK government to pressure India for his release. In August 2023, Johal's case was forwarded to the UN Special Rapporteur on torture for further investigation. While one of his bail applications was upheld by the Supreme Court, his full release remains pending due to other charges. The UK government has consistently raised concerns about his treatment and right to a fair trial. The situation highlights allegations of UK intelligence services' involvement in providing information that led to his detention and alleged torture. Johal's ...