Constituency MSP, Jackie Baillie, has, once again, raised the case of Jagtar Singh Johal in Parliament. Jagtar, from Dumbarton, has been detained in the Punjab region of India since November 2017.

Jagtar’s case has been raised on a number of occasions since his arrest, in both the Scottish Parliament, by Jackie Baillie, and in the UK Parliament by his MP, Martin Docherty-Hughes. The case has also been raised directly with the UK Foreign Office and Deputy First Minister, John Swinney has also raised the case with Indian Officials on a recent visit to the country. In addition, Jackie has previously written to Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, and has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament.

Jagtar has now been detained for over 500 days and there have been reports that he has been abused and assaulted during this time. During an exchange at FMQs, Jackie Baillie asked the First Minister to raise the case with the Foreign Office and to ensure that Jagtar and his family are receiving the support that they deserve.

Jackie said:

“Jagtar Singh Johal has been incarcerated in the Punjab region of India for over 500 days and his family are deeply concerned for his welfare.

“I know that Martin Docherty-Hughes MP has been relentless in raising this case in Westminster since Jagtar was first incarcerated but so far, the family have felt abandoned by the Foreign Office.

“I thank the First Minister for agreeing to raise the issue, once again, with the Foreign Office and U.K. Government. I hope that this will ensure that Jagtar and his family receive the support that they need at this difficult time.

“I will continue to support the efforts of Jagtar’s family and Martin Docherty-Hughes to ensure that Jagtar has the right to a fair trial and is treated humanely while he is detained in India.”