Crown Prosecution Service drops case against the #WestMidlands3

The Crown Prosecution Service has dropped the case against the #WestMidlands3. 

The news was announced to hundreds of onlookers from the Sikh community at 11:11am today, Wednesday 22nd September at Westminster Magistrates Court. 

The outcome highlights the extent of the UK government’s collusion with India on this case and the dangers it poses to other Sikhs and human rights activists in India and around the world.

Lawyer and human rights activist Gareth Peirce explained that the case was dismissed not only due to a lack of evidence but also police officers in this case being used to support the prosecution having themselves been convicted of involvement in disappearances, torture and murder. 

“After having been convicted, they continue to serve as police officers,” she said. 

And one of those officers, we were astonished to note, was one of the officers identified by Mr Johal as having being involved in his torture. All of this is relevant to what steps can and should be taken by this government by this country in relation to the position of people such as Mr Johal, a British citizen in India at this time.”

“We hope what comes out of this is a recognition that it isn’t fitting to simply accept what a government says, but a duty to enquire far further,” Peirce added.

Claudia Webbe MP added in a tweet: “This is a victory for the 3 British Sikh human rights activists and Sikhs worldwide.” 

“Congrats to all who signed and handed me this petition and bundle of letters opposing the extradition. This is people power -solidarity” 

Visit @SikhPA’s Instagram Live where we share the full length footage of when the news was announced that the charges were dropped.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUHzCoGKW4y/?utm_medium=copy_link

In the video, the family spokesperson reveals that very basic information from the prosecution such as the #WestMidlands3’s place of residency and whether they were clean-shaven or had beards and turbans at the time of the alleged crime was incorrect. 

The evidence points fingers at the UK government which spent taxpayers funds on a sham trial and put three British Sikh men, their young families and their entire community through such an arduous ordeal to sweeten a post-Brexit trade deal with India.