REDRESS reiterates call for torture investigation as case proceeds against Jagtar Singh Johal

An Indian court has confirmed that trial will proceed against British citizen, Jagtar Singh Johal. In response, REDRESS has reiterated its call for India to conduct an immediate investigation into allegations that police tortured Mr Johal, and ensure that no evidence obtained by torture is used in Mr Johal’s trial.

A Moga district court confirmed on 12 July 2018 that Mr Johal will be tried with seven others for offences under the Indian Arms Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The case is brought by the Punjab police, with evidence expected to be presented from 26 July 2018.

The news follows a recent intervention by over 70 UK members of parliament, who wrote to the British Prime Minister to raise their serious concerns about the detention and torture of Mr Johal. For more information see here.

Charlie Loudon, International Legal Adviser at REDRESS, commented:

“It is crucial that the court does not use in Jagtar’s trial any evidence that has been obtained by torture. That can only be guaranteed if India conducts an immediate investigation to find out what torture took place.”

Gurpreet Singh Johal, the brother of Jagtar Singh Johal, said:

“We are glad that Jagtar is finally going to have a chance to defend himself in court. He has been detained now for over eight months, and we have still not seen one shred of evidence against him.”

Mr Johal’s Indian legal team expects to learn in the coming weeks whether further charges will be framed against Mr Johal in separate cases being conducted by the Indian National Investigation Agency. As far as REDRESS is aware, India has still not responded to the joint urgent appeal issued on 29 January 2018 by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture; the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, and the Vice-Chair of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

More information about the case can be found here.

For further information or for an interview, please contact Charlie Loudon, REDRESS’s International Legal Adviser, on 020 7793 1777 and [email protected]

REDRESS is an international human rights organization based in London and The Hague which seeks justice and reparation for survivors of torture and related international crimes.