Jagtar Singh Johal released on bail in India

India released British Sikh blogger Jagtar Singh Johal on bail on Thursday after nearly nine years in detention, while his trial continues on eight remaining charges including conspiracy to murder.

Johal, from Dumbarton in Scotland, had been detained since November 2017 over an alleged plot to kill right-wing Hindu leaders. He was in India for his wedding when he was detained.

An AFP journalist saw Johal walk out of Tihar jail in New Delhi, where relatives greeted him with bouquets of flowers.

A court granted him bail this month on the remaining charges. Bail conditions include a bond of 500,000 rupees, surrender of his passport and a ban on making statements to the press about the case.

Johal was acquitted of one terrorism-linked charge in March 2025.

His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, said in a statement shared by British charity Reprieve that he had not dared to believe the release would happen until he saw Johal leave the prison gates. He said “the fight continues” because Johal remains on trial and, in his words, is “facing the death penalty for something he didn't do”.

British lawmaker Douglas McAllister, who represents Johal's council area in Scotland, welcomed news of bail last week and said it was time to bring his constituent home.

Independent UN experts warned in April that Johal's prolonged detention amounted to “psychological torture”, including allegations of electrocution and death threats.