Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
168. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will raise concerns regarding the arrest and treatment of the person with the Indian government. [1667/18]
View answerI am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy, and I am concerned by the allegations of torture made in relation to Mr Jagtar Singh Johal. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland works closely with Human Rights Defenders to protect the work they do and to promote the value of civil society space. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights sets out that every person has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This means that people are free to hold opinions without interference and may share these opinions through the media without fear of reprisal. I want to reiterate that Ireland is fully committed to the prevention and eradication of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including through our work in the EU and in other international fora such as the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
As Mr Jagtar Singh Johal is a British citizen, consular assistance in this case is being provided by the United Kingdom. I have requested that the Irish Embassy in New Delhi monitor the case for further developments.
