Scottish Labour MPs urge Keir Starmer to prioritise Jagtar Singh Johal’s release

Scottish Labour MPs Call for Urgent Action to Free Jagtar Singh Johal from Indian Prison

Scottish Labour MPs have appealed to Keir Starmer, urging him to give top priority to securing the release of Jagtar Singh Johal, a man from Dumbarton who is facing the death penalty in India, marking the seven-year anniversary of his arrest. A group of 16 MPs penned a letter to the Prime Minister, pressing for the release of Johal, 37, who has been detained in Punjab, northern India, since November 2017, during his visit for his wedding. Johal, a Glasgow native who had relocated to Dumbarton, was known for advocating for Sikh rights in India. Allegations of torture, including electric shocks, have been made against the authorities, and he is now confronting death penalty charges on eight counts in India. Johal maintains that the confession he signed was coerced under duress and that a video of him was broadcast on Indian television without his consent.

The MPs expressed disappointment with the lack of progress from previous Conservative governments in securing Johal’s release, labelling it a failure to safeguard citizens both at home and abroad. The letter stresses the injustice of Johal losing seven years of his life unjustly and calls upon the Government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting citizens from abuse overseas. Signatories to the letter include Patricia Ferguson, chair of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee, Euan Stainbank, and Katrina Murray, among others. Johal has been held in solitary confinement in a Delhi prison since 2019, drawing concern from a United Nations panel in 2022 over his arbitrary detention in India.

Gurpreet Johal, Jagtar’s brother, has been actively campaigning for his release and recently met with Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London along with West Dumbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister to explore potential resolutions to the case. Scottish Labour MPs joined the cause and signed the joint letter advocating for Johal’s release, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as Johal marks another year in arbitrary detention. Expressing gratitude for the MPs’ support, Gurpreet Johal highlighted the significance of their unified plea to the Prime Minister to bring his brother back home to Dumbarton.

In solidarity with the effort, Douglas McAllister reiterated the importance of securing Johal’s release, marking the solemn occasion of his seven years in custody and delivering the joint letter to the Prime Minister to stress the critical need for immediate action.

Insights and Summary: The plight of Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish man enduring unjust imprisonment in India, underscores the vital role of advocacy by political representatives in safeguarding the rights and liberties of individuals. The letter from Scottish Labour MPs to Keir Starmer showcases a united front in fighting for justice and upholding human rights on a global scale. The ongoing campaign for Johal’s release exemplifies the power of collective action and the enduring pursuit of justice in the face of adversity. Johal’s case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of diplomatic intervention and international collaboration in addressing injustices and protecting individuals from abuse and arbitrary detention.