THE wife of the Scot held in India for more than 500 days has spoken out about her “emotional” journey to the UK to meet the Foreign Secretary over his case.
The Indian national spoke exclusively to The National on condition we do not use her name due to fears about her safety, as husband Jagtar Singh Johal remains in prison.
The 32-year-old Dumbarton man, known as Jaggi, has been held without trial since November 4, 2017, less than three weeks after his wedding in the country’s Punjab region.
He is alleged to have funded a murder plot by Sikh group against prominent right-wing Hindus. However, no evidence has been led despite more than 80 court appearances, and he claims to have been tortured by police.
READ MORE: Brother of Jagtar Singh Johal makes plea to Scots over online support drive
Jaggi’s wife travelled to London to meet Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday alongside other relatives, including Johal’s brother Gurpreet, and the family’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes.
She said: “My journey was an emotional one. I was crying most of the way. I always imagined I’d be coming to the UK for the first time with my husband. I never imagined it would be this way.
“I’m tired. First it was the running about and hiding, then going long distances to visit him in prison, and going to court hearings where he was not presented, and constant delay.
“I wanted to pass Jagtar’s message to Jeremy Hunt, that he’s looking for the UK Government’s support. If they don’t help him, he could be in jail for a long time. Jeremy Hunt did listen and acknowledge the suffering.
“I was assured they will do what they can within their powers.”
Docherty-Hughes said: “The impact of this arbitrary detention and violation of Jagtar’s human rights by the Indian state authorities has been harrowing for his loved ones.
“The families of Scots imprisoned abroad deserve the best possible support from the Foreign Office and I intend to hold Jeremy Hunt to the promises made to my constituents.”
Jagtar Singh Johal’s family also thanked backers of the Free Jaggi Now campaign for their support.
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