Context
Jagtar Singh Johal, a constituent of Douglas McAllister, has been imprisoned in India since 3,000 days ago on trumped-up charges. He was acquitted last year but now faces eight duplicate cases based on the same evidence.
Question
What steps is her Department taking to support UK citizens arbitrarily detained abroad? Exactly 3,000 days ago, my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal was imprisoned in India, and he remains arbitrarily detained. He faces the death penalty on trumped-up charges after being tortured for a confession. Despite his acquittal last year of all charges, he now faces eight duplicate cases based on the same evidence. Does the Foreign Secretary or Minister agree that this is clearly double jeopardy under Indian, international, and UK law? Will the Government make that clear to Indian counterparts?
Answer from Hamish Falconer
Despite progress in Mr Johal’s legal proceedings, eight of the cases against him remain outstanding. We continue to raise concerns about his prolonged detention with the Government of India at every appropriate opportunity and emphasise the need for a prompt, full and just resolution of Mr Johal’s cases in India’s independent legal system.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a direct commitment to clarify double jeopardy status with Indian counterparts.
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