UK Government Accused of Prioritizing Trade Over Human Rights in Activist's Case
Brother of recently bailed Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal alleges the UK government's inaction has contributed to his sibling's decade-long legal battle and potential death penalty.
Gurpreet Singh Johal, brother of Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal, has accused the British government of "putting trade over human rights" following his sibling's release on bail after nearly nine years in Indian prison. Jagtar Singh Johal, a British national, was arrested in India in November 2017, three weeks after arriving for his wedding. He alleges he was tortured for three days and forced to sign a blank document confessing to terrorism charges.
Jagtar faces eight terrorism charges in a federal court, including membership in a terrorist gang and conspiracy to murder. His family vehemently denies all charges, asserting that no evidence has been presented. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Gurpreet Singh Johal stated that if his brother receives the death penalty, the British government would bear responsibility due to its alleged lack of action over the past nine years.
"It is a horrible thing to think about. But you know what's more horrible: the thought that your government, the country you're born and bred in cannot protect you, and will not protect you, and they'll put trade over human rights," Gurpreet told the Daily Mail.
The family believes the Indian prosecution is intent on keeping Jagtar in the case as the sole non-Indian national involved in an alleged international conspiracy. Gurpreet recounted the distress of receiving a call from his sister-in-law on November 4, 2017, reporting Jagtar's disappearance. He traveled to India with his younger brother to find Jagtar, who had been arrested and allegedly hooded and blindfolded.
Upon discovering his brother, Gurpreet was distressed to hear the chief minister of Punjab publicly declare Jagtar guilty of murder. He expressed guilt over leaving his younger brother behind in India at that time but acknowledged that his return was necessary to lead the campaign for Jagtar's freedom. The family later learned of the alleged torture, which included electric shocks, stress positions, sleep deprivation, and death threats, to extract a confession.
Jagtar was subjected to severe mistreatment, signing blank documents that were later filled with confessions, according to his family. The family, in conjunction with the charity Reprieve, has been campaigning for Jagtar's release. Dan Dolan, deputy executive of Reprieve, described the charges as "politically trumped-up charges" primarily based on a confession obtained under torture.
The United Nations has also questioned the rationale for Jagtar's continued detention and called on the Indian government to drop the charges. Communication between the brothers has been severely limited, with only three video calls during Jagtar's nearly decade-long imprisonment.
This week marked the first time in nine years that Gurpreet has seen his brother out of custody, though Jagtar remains on bail with conditions. "It has been an extensive rollercoaster having to challenge the UK Government to do more, go through the Indian legal system and it's taken nine years just to get my brother out," Gurpreet said. He lamented the lost years of married life and the missed family events, including the passing of relatives.
A UK government spokesperson stated that they are in contact with Jagtar Singh Johal's family and have consistently raised concerns about his prolonged pre-trial detention and the need for a thorough investigation into the torture allegations. The spokesperson added that the UK will continue to provide consular support.
