For seven years, Jagtar Singh Johal has been trapped in an Indian prison, facing allegations of terrorism that his family and legal representatives have consistently denied. The 38-year-old Scottish activist from Dumbarton was arrested in Punjab in 2017 while celebrating his wedding. Now, after a prolonged legal battle, he has been acquitted in one of the nine cases against him, raising fresh questions about his detention and the Indian justice system.
A Wedding Trip That Turned Into a Nightmare
On November 4, 2017, Johal was walking through the crowded streets of Jalandhar when police officers suddenly surrounded him. His family says he was forced into a vehicle with a hood over his head and taken into custody. What followed was years of imprisonment without conviction, multiple trials, and allegations of torture.
The Indian government has accused Johal of financing terrorism, specifically linking him to the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), a militant group seeking an independent Sikh homeland. Officials claim he provided money to buy weapons that were used in targeted killings of Hindu and political leaders between 2016 and 2017. Johal, however, has maintained his innocence, insisting that he was documenting human rights violations against Sikhs in Punjab through his website.
The Case Against Him: Missing Evidence and Coerced Confessions
The prosecution’s case has been built largely on claims that Johal was connected to Khalistani militants. Authorities allege that he traveled to Paris in 2013 to hand over £3,000 to KLF members, money that was reportedly used to purchase arms.
However, the legal proceedings have exposed critical weaknesses:
- No incriminating material was ever found in Johal’s possession at the time of his arrest.
- Prosecution witnesses admitted in court that they had no evidence linking him directly to the alleged crimes.
- A key officer could not recall the date or year of Johal’s supposed trip to Paris, raising doubts about the credibility of the allegations.
- Johal’s defense team argues that his confession was extracted under duress, detailing accounts of electric shocks and threats of being burned alive.
The Verdict: Acquitted, But Not Yet Free
After years of delays and legal wrangling, the District Court of Moga delivered a significant ruling in Johal’s favor. Judge Harjeet Singh stated that prosecutors had “failed to collect cogent and convincing evidence” proving that Johal was a member of a terrorist organization or involved in unlawful activities. The court dismissed charges of conspiracy and fundraising for a terrorist gang, effectively dismantling a major part of the case against him.
While Johal has been acquitted in this case, eight other cases against him remain pending, leaving his fate uncertain. His legal representatives argue that this ruling sets a precedent that should influence the remaining cases.
A Slow and Flawed Legal Process
Johal’s trial has been marred by procedural delays, with hundreds of hearings stretching over seven years. His defense team, including the legal charity Reprieve, has repeatedly criticized the Indian justice system for failing to provide a fair trial.
One of the most glaring issues highlighted in court was the complete lack of material evidence:
- No documents linking Johal to terrorist groups were presented.
- No financial records proved that he had funded KLF activities.
- No forensic evidence was provided to substantiate the claims against him.
The slow-moving judicial process, coupled with inconsistent testimonies from prosecution witnesses, has fueled calls for his immediate release.
International Pressure and Calls for Action
Johal’s family has been campaigning relentlessly for his release, with support from politicians and human rights organizations in the UK. His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, has repeatedly urged the British government to intervene more forcefully.
Despite these efforts, the UK government has been criticized for its handling of the case. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other officials have raised concerns with their Indian counterparts, no decisive action has been taken to secure Johal’s freedom.
With this latest acquittal, the pressure is mounting. Will the remaining cases be dismissed? Or will Johal continue to languish in prison despite the lack of evidence against him? For now, the fight for his freedom is far from over.
