First Minister John Swinney comments on reports that Jagtar Singh Johal has been granted bail

First Minister John Swinney has commented on reports that Jagtar Singh Johal has been granted bail.

First Minister John Swinney said: 

"I welcome reports that Jagtar Singh Johal has been granted bail after spending almost nine years in detention in India.

The Scottish Government has consistently called for Mr Johal's release and repeatedly raised concerns about his prolonged detention, including in light of the findings of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

"While I recognise that legal proceedings remain ongoing, this is a significant and positive development for Mr Johal, his wife and his family, who have campaigned tirelessly on his behalf.

"I hope to see Mr Johal released from custody as soon as the necessary procedures are completed and continue to underline the importance of a fair, transparent and timely judicial process."