First Minister calls for the release of Jagtar Singh Johal

First Minister John Swinney has called for the immediate release of Jagtar Singh Johal after a meeting with his family.

The First Minister said:

 “I am gravely concerned at the continued detention of Jagtar Singh Johal and allegations of his mistreatment and torture in custody. Jagtar should be released immediately in line with the recommendations of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

“Jagtar has now been imprisoned for almost seven years and this remains an extremely difficult and distressing time for his family who have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of this ordeal.

“Although this issue is reserved, I and the Scottish Government will continue lobbying the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and UK Government to use every lever at their disposal to call for Jagtar's release, and raise the case with Indian authorities on Mr Johal's behalf.”