- The Delhi High Court has granted bail to British Sikh rights campaigner Jagtar Singh Johal after almost nine years in custody in India on terror-related allegations.
- The 39-year-old from Dumbarton was originally detained in Punjab in 2017 shortly after his wedding over alleged links to a banned separatist group, charges he strongly denies while alleging he was subjected to torture during his detention.
- Although acquitted in one case last year, Mr Johal still faces multiple federal charges and potential death sentences based on what human rights organisations describe as duplicate and trumped-up charges.
- His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, described the court's bail decision as a huge relief, though human rights charities warned that strict bail conditions may keep him in India until a bond is set and permission to leave is granted.
- Legal charities Reprieve and Redress, alongside West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister, have welcomed the decision while urging the UK government to secure his full return home to Scotland and demand accountability for his arbitrary detention.
IN FULL
Jagtar Singh Johal: British activist jailed in India for nine years is finally granted bail
