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WSO Calls on Portugal to Not Extradite Sikh Activist

February 9, 2016 | By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

Ottawa, Canada: The World Sikh Organization of Canada wrote last week to the Portuguese Ambassador to Canada regarding the extradition of Paramjeet Singh Pamma. Pamma, a permanent resident of the UK, was arrested in Portugal at the request of Indian authorities, who are now demanding his extradition in relation to a 2009 murder. The WSO has called on Portugal to return Saini to his family in the UK as he faces well-founded threats of torture and even death if returned to India.

Paramjeet Singh alias Pamma has lived in the United Kingdom for over 16 years under political asylum with his wife and four young children who are British citizens. He was arrested on December 28, 2015 in Albufeira, Portugal while on vacation with his family. Indian authorities are attempting to use Portugal for Mr Saini’s extradition, instead of applying to the British courts where he normally resides. Mr. Saini had already been investigated in an 11-month joint investigation with Indian and British police in 2010 and insufficient evidence was found for him to be charged and extradited at that time.

The WSO pointed out that Paramjeet Singh Pamma was granted political asylum by the UK in September 2000 due to well-founded fears of persecution by Indian security forces. Paramjeet Singh Pamma’s brother, along with several members of his extended family, have been killed by Indian security forces in the past. Notably, four members of Paramjeet Singh Pamma’s family, aged 80 years, 40 years, 13 years and an infant, were brutally murdered and their bodies set on fire in 1991, allegedly on the orders of Director General of Punjab Police Sumedh Saini who was at the time an SSP.

WSO President Amritpal Singh Shergill said, “Indian attempts to extradite Paramjeet Singh Pamma via Portugal, instead of the UK, are a subversion of proper channels and processes. If Indian authorities have evidence against Paramjeet Singh Pamma, they should bring it to the attention of the British Government. Furthermore, the Punjab Police are infamous for harassing, torturing and levelling false charges against Sikh activists. Over a dozen young Sikhs have been implicated and charged in the case Paramjeet Singh Pamma is currently wanted for but not one conviction has been registered due to lack of evidence. It is not only possible but likely that Paramjeet Singh Pamma would be subjected to mistreatment if he is returned to India. We have written to the Portuguese Ambassador to Canada requesting that Portugal immediately return Paramjeet Singh Pamma to the UK.”

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Related Topics: Paramjeet Singh Pamma, Sikh Diaspora, Sikh News Canada, Sikhs in United Kingdom, World Sikh Organization of Canada

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