British activist Jagtar Singh Johal denied bail in India

Jagtar Singh Johal, a British activist, has been denied bail by Delhi's high court after nearly seven years of imprisonment in India. He faces seven cases initiated by the National Investigations Agency, which allege his involvement with the Khalistan Liberation Force. Despite the court acknowledging significant delays in his trials, it ruled that this alone was insufficient for bail. Human rights organization Reprieve argues that the cases against him are based on a coerced confession obtained under torture, with no credible evidence presented in court. In March 2022, Johal was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana high court, citing his prolonged detention without trial as a violation of his rights. However, this decision was challenged by the National Investigations Agency, leading to a Supreme Court ruling in August 2023 that upheld the bail, demanding credible evidence from the prosecution. The recent high court ruling contradicts this Supreme Court order, raising concerns about the fairness of the legal proceedings against Johal. Reprieve has highlighted the lack of physical evidence or credible links to the alleged conspiracy, noting that the arresting officer admitted in court that there was no evidence against Johal. United Nations legal experts have classified his detention as arbitrary, emphasizing that he is being targeted for his human rights activism. His family and supporters are calling for the UK government to intervene, arguing that the legal system in India is unjustly prolonging his detention. The situation reflects broader issues regarding human rights and legal processes in India, particularly concerning activists. The ongoing delays and lack of evidence raise serious questions about the integrity of the judicial system and the treatment of individuals advocating for human rights.