Thread by @SikhPA

The webinar has begun, @MartinJDocherty introducing the guests.

@GSJohal85 says he appreciates the support from the public for his brother's case.

#FreeJaggiNow

@PreetKGillMP commends Martin Docherty-Hughes and the cross-party support this issue has received.

"None of us can imagine what his family have gone through," she says.

"There have been no charges levelled against him, and we know this case is going to drag on for a long time."

She adds that the UK mission to the UN has been very quiet and the UK Foreign Secretary is not showing any evidence of communication with India or Jaggi's family.

#FreeJaggiNow

@BorisJohnson was Foreign Secretary when Jaggi was detained. He knows about this case. Many people know about this case, but the lack of action by the government has been very frustrating, says @PreetKGillMP.

Advocate @manjhpur in Punjab provides an update on the case.

For the Moga case there is only one document presented, an apparent confession, which is not admissible in court.

In 2 years, only 12 witnesses have been cross-examined. Nothing incriminating was found or recovered from Jaggi in the Moga case. It looks like Jaggi has been framed for this case, he adds.

A medical examination was undertaken 10th November 2017, but Jaggi's team is not satisfied with this. They're demanding a panel of doctors undertake a mental and physical medical examination.

They are petitioning the Haryana court to look into the mental torture in particular.

There are 6 cases pending in Patiala. The NIA transferred the case on frivolous grounds, based on false facts. A member of the RSS is involved in the administration of the case, which is a conflict of interest and compromises the case as RSS members were targeted, says @Manjhpur.

Indian judicial system is very slow and human rights cases such as this will take a very long time. COVID19 is causing the trial to take even longer. #FreeJaggiNow

Charlie Loudon is a legal advisor who works for @REDRESSTrust and has been very supportive of Jaggi's case, says @MartinJDocherty.

Loudon got in touch with @GSJohal85 since very shortly after Jaggi's arrest. They advised Jaggi to write a letter outlining his torture.

Jaggi was tortured for 4 days, his legs were stretched apart, he had difficulty urinating afterwards, a bottle of petrol was brought in and he was threated with being burned alive.

The unlawful imprisonment and torture cannot be tolerated. It is crucial that in trade agreements with India, Jagtar's case must not be forgotten.

Share about #FreeJaggiNow on social media, write petitions... the more noise, the better, adds Loudon.

Ximena Vengoechea is a Scottish based lawyer. She says that India is a signatory and has ratified an international convention relating to human rights, and is bound by its terms.

She says that Jaggi's detainment is illegal. Firstly, the manner of his arrest: 15 plain-clothes men took him into an unmarked vehicle and he was taken to an undisclosed location. Only when his family contacted the police did they tell them he was in police custody.
#FreeJaggiNow

There is a vague definition of terrorism under which Jaggi is detained. And it infringes upon political discourse and opinions.

She says under current, draconian legislation, that Sikhs at large can be perceived by India as an enemy of the state.

There is no provision that can justify his detainment for 1000 days. She says that he needs to be released and brought home to the UK.

1000 days have passed, it's time to say it's enough, says @MartinJDocherty.

#FreeJaggiNow

No charge at all against Jaggi in 8 cases:6 in Delhi, 2 in Mohali, says advocate @manjhpur.

He adds that recently in Punjab, 317 Sikh youths were implicated in 94 similar cases, and 99 per cent of those Sikh youths were acquitted.

The trial by media for 1000 days fully undermines the trial in court, particularly the televised news in India, says @MartinJDocherty.

#FreeJaggiNow

How seriously do the UK government take Jaggi's case? asks @MartinJDocherty

Not at all. We should be outraged, responds @PreetKGillMP

And India requires a fit for process legal system.

This is an arbitrary detainment.

This is no way to treat someone. They need to release him.

The UK government is looking for a free trade deal with India after Brexit, which has implications on people like Jaggi, says @MartinJDocherty.

These huge political issues are likely having an impact behind closed doors.

#FreeJaggiNow

@GSJohal85: What Jagtar has suffered is not lawful.

I thought my brother had been kidnapped. I didn't think he had been arrested. I still think he has been abducted, by the Indian government.

The UK government should be supporting us, but it is hindering us.

#FreeJaggiNow

@GSJohal85 adds that Ximena has spent the last 6 weeks reading about Indian law and Sikhs, she found that in India there is religious persecution of Sikhs.

Please look beyond our colour.

During COVID-19, Sikhs have been helping out the community so much, so have I.

Please look beyond my beard, my Turban and skin colour.

Jagtar has a right not to be tortured.

Please look beyond our colour, please support us and help my brother.

It's even worse for his wife. She was only 2 weeks married when this all happened.

My son is asking me, where is Jaggi Chacha? This has gone on for 1000 days.

#FreeJaggiNow

Sikhs are as important a part of the identity of the UK as anyone else, says @MartinJDocherty

This could be me, it could be you, it could be your brothers, fathers or families.

Email your MPs, and we also want more cross-party support.

Use hashtags:
#Jaggi1000
#FreeJaggiNow

This is not about terror, this is about religious persecution - Vengoechea.

This fear of terror allows us to think what governments are doing is fine.

Ordinary people change things.

Get involved. Find our more about this cause, about Sikhi and its followers and act together.

Advocate @manjhpur thanks the panel and applauds their courage.

@GSJohal85 says you guys are supporting me each day, and are helping me help Jaggi.

He thanks the Sangat for the support, says Jaggi was trending no. 3 in the UK on Twitter.

#FreeJaggiNow

The UK government must recognise that this takes political leadership which has been lacking for 1000 days, adds @MartinJDocherty.

We will continue to put pressure through UN, Sikh community.

Jagtar is a #SonoftheRock and every Scot needs to make sure Jagtar comes home.