{
  "id": 11327842,
  "title": "India releases UK Sikh blogger on bail after nearly nine-year detention",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/india-releases-uk-sikh-blogger-on-bail-after-nearly-nine-year",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T01:43:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40442258/india-releases-uk-sikh-blogger-on-bail-after-nearly-nine-year-detention"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A British Sikh blogger, Jagtar Singh Johal, who was detained in India since November 2017, has been released on bail after nearly nine years. Johal, from Dumbarton in Scotland, was accused of allegedly plotting to kill right-wing Hindu leaders. In March 2025, he was acquitted of one terrorism-linked charge, but his trial is still ongoing. This month, a court granted him bail on eight remaining charges, including conspiracy to murder. At the Tihar jail in New Delhi, Johal walked out and was greeted by his family members with bouquets of flowers. His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, expressed relief and disappointment, stating that they never believed in the release until seeing his brother walk out of the prison gates. The fight continues, as Johal is still on trial and faces the death penalty for something he did not do. British charity Reprieve shared a statement from his brother, emphasizing the ongoing struggle. Johal has been subjected to several bail conditions, such as a bond of 500,000 rupees ($5,218) and surrendering his passport. Additionally, he is barred from making any statements about the case to the press. British lawmaker Douglas McAllister welcomed the news of Johal's bail and emphasized the importance of bringing his Scottish constituent back home. Independent UN experts had warned in April that Johal's prolonged detention amounted to psychological torture, including allegations of electrocution and death threats.",
  "summary": "NEW DELHI: India released on bail Thursday a British Sikh blogger detained since November 2017 over an alleged plot to kill right-wing Hindu leaders, an AFP journalist saw. Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton in Scotland, was acquitted of one terrorism-linked charge in March 2025. With his trial still ongoing, a court granted him bail this month on eight remaining charges, which include conspiracy…",
  "key_points": [
    "British Sikh blogger Jagtar Singh Johal released on bail after 8.5 years in India.",
    "Accused of plotting to kill Hindu leaders, acquitted of one terrorism charge.",
    "Still faces death penalty for unproven conspiracy to murder charges."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The release on bail of UK Sikh blogger Jagtar Singh Johal after nearly nine years in detention marks a partial reprieve, but his ongoing trial and potential death penalty underscore continued uncertainty.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}