Key facts
- Jagtar Singh Johal, a 39-year-old British national, has been granted bail by the Delhi High Court after nearly nine years of detention.
- Johal was arrested in India in 2017 in connection with alleged terrorism offenses and claims he was tortured.
- A UN panel previously described Johal's imprisonment as arbitrary detention and a form of psychological torture.
- Johal was acquitted last year of charges related to financially supporting the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF).
- He still faces federal charges in India related to similar allegations.
- His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, expressed relief and anticipation of his release.
Jagtar Singh Johal, a 39-year-old British Sikh man from Dumbarton, Scotland, has been granted bail by the Delhi High Court, ending nearly nine years of detention in India. Johal was arrested in November 2017 on suspicion of involvement in alleged terrorism offenses, just weeks after traveling to India for his wedding. He claims he was denied legal access and tortured to extract a confession, allegations that Indian authorities deny.
His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, announced the bail decision on Friday, expressing immense relief and stating that Jagtar could be released as early as next week. He noted that while the bail is a significant step, his brother will not be truly free until he returns home.
Last year, Johal was acquitted of charges related to financially supporting the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), but he continues to face federal charges in India. A UN panel has previously described his imprisonment as arbitrary detention and a form of psychological torture. Human rights organizations Reprieve and Redress, representing Johal, welcomed the bail but cautioned that he still faces potential death penalty charges and that bail conditions may be stringent. They also called for accountability for alleged torture and flawed legal proceedings.