British Sikh Blogger Granted Bail in India After Nine Years

Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh blogger from Dumbarton, Scotland, has been granted bail by the Delhi High Court after being detained in India for nearly nine years. His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, announced the decision on Friday, calling it a "momentous moment" for the family and stating that Jagtar could be released within days. Johal, 39, was arrested in November 2017 while in India for his wedding, over alleged terrorism offences related to a plot to kill Hindu leaders. He was acquitted last year in a case accusing him of financially supporting the Khalistan Liberation Force, but he still faces federal charges in India related to the same allegations. If convicted on these charges, he could face the death penalty. Bail conditions include surrendering his passport, paying a personal bond of 5 million rupees (approximately £39,000), and a ban on speaking to the media about the case. According to a court order, only 40 of 163 witnesses have been examined in the ongoing cases, indicating a lengthy trial ahead. Johal must remain in India during the legal proceedings.