BBC News reports that First Minister Humza Yousaf has called for the release of Reprieve client Jagtar Singh Johal after meeting with his brother Gurpreet at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday. Jagtar has been held in India on terror charges since 2017 without conviction.
Jagtar’s brother Gurpreet said he is “grateful” for the meeting. He added that the Minister Minister has “been following Jagtar’s case for a long time, recognises he is arbitrarily detained and told me he’ll do everything he can to bring my brother home.”
Gurpreet also noted “the Scottish government’s position is clear and unequivocal: there is no legal basis for Jagtar’s detention and he should be set free,” in contrast to the UK Government’s equivocation. “It shames the UK Government, which has the power to seek his release, but declines to do so, instead making vague statements of concern for his welfare,” he added.
Reprieve’s Director Maya Foa said there is no excuse for the UK Government’s inaction: “Indian prosecutors have had more than five years to come up with a case against Jagtar and have produced no credible evidence… A young British man is being robbed of his youth, on trumped-up charges, and faces being sentenced to death if Ministers will not do what it takes to bring him home.”
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Jagtar may be the victim of a UK tip-off which led to his unlawful arrest and torture. Now he is taking the Government to court. Add your name to the petition to end torture tip-offs here.
