Sikh terror suspect case goes to United Nations
Campaigners hoping to get a Smethwick terror suspect returned to the UK have taken their case to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Sikh Federation and Swiss-based Movement Against Atrocities and Repression organised a meeting at the High Commissioner's office in Geneva about the case of Paramjeet Singh Saini.
Mr Saini has been arrested in Portugal and is fighting against extradition to India to face murder and bombing charges.
The Sikh Federation claim Mr Saini has been unfairly imprisoned in Portugal at the request of the Indian authorities since December 18.
Indian authorities say Mr Saini is a leading member of an outlawed Sikh separatist terror group Babbar Khalsa International.
Bhai Amrik Singh, chair of the Sikh Federation said: "Given the decision of the court in Portugal yesterday to extend the period of detention by another 22 days we have called on the working group to launch an 'urgent action' procedure in this case.
"We have explained the additional period is to allow the Indian authorities more time to produce evidence on the extradition of Paramjeet Singh to India where he will almost certainly be subject to torture and possible death."
The British Government granted Mr Saini asylum more in 2000 as the authorities were convinced his life would be in danger if returned to India.
His elder brother was tortured in jail and subsequently killed in a case which remains unsolved.
Mr Amrik Singh added: "Despite over 200 UK MPs having been contacted by constituents in the last two weeks we believe the British authorities have thus far not done enough for Paramjeet Singh and his family by ensuring he is returned to the UK.
"They have been far too slow in sharing relevant information with the Portuguese authorities, such as why they have given protection to Paramjeet Singh and what would happen to him if he was extradited."
The Sikh Federation alleged that if Mr Saini is extradited to India it believes the UK as well as Portugal will have violated the European Convention on Human Rights.
Scores of UK MPs contacted have said they understand the wider ramifications of Mr Saini's case.
