Thank you for contacting me recently about Jagtar Singh Johal.
I share the concerns you raise about the circumstances of Mr Johal’s continued detention in India – the detention of any British citizen abroad should always prompt a careful investigation by the UK Government.
As you are aware, Mr Johal was arrested in 2017 after travelling to India for his wedding where he was tortured into making a so-called ‘confession’ to charges carrying the death penalty. He has now been detained for nearly five years and I can only imagine how distressing this has been for Mr Johal and his family.
I know that Mr Johal’s family has persistently raised his case with the Government. Mr Johal’s case has also reportedly been raised with the Indian Prime Minister on several occasions. However, it is clear that more must be done.
When a British national has been so gravely mistreated, with no legal basis, the Government must act decisively to negotiate their release. To exert maximum pressure and to ensure a coordinated approach, I support cross-party efforts towards securing Mr Johal’s release. I echo the Leader of the Labour Party’s call on for the Prime Minister to officially request Mr Johal’s release.
I am aware of recent allegations, including claims of potential collusion by British intelligence services in Mr Johal’s detention. These allegations are deeply worrying. I believe it is vital that the veracity of these claims is investigated as soon as possible to find the truth. I also believe we need a clear answer on whether the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson authorised the sharing of intelligence when he was Foreign Secretary that could have led to Mr Johal’s detention.
As a first principle I believe it is the duty of the Government to look after every British national. The Government must therefore use its contacts at the highest level of the Indian Government to press for Mr Johal’s release without further delay. Ministers and officials should continue to raise Mr Johal’s case with their Indian counterparts, calling for his release.
Representations should also continue in relation to Mr Johal’s reports of torture, delays to legal proceedings, and the importance of Mr Johal’s right to a fair trial. It is also essential that Mr Johal’s family continue to be informed about his welfare and any developments.
Thank you once again for contacting me. I can assure you I will continue to follow Mr Johal’s case, and the Government’s response, closely.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North