THE politician supporting the family of a Scot held without trial in India for more than 700 days has been honoured by the Sikh community.
Martin Docherty-Hughes has been working with the family of Jagtar Singh Johal since he was arrested by plainclothes police in the Punjab region of India more than two years ago.
The Dumbarton family turned to Docherty-Hughes as their local MP to help them press the UK Government and Indian authorities over his case.
The 32-year-old, known to friends as Jaggi, was arrested two weeks after his wedding and is accused of funding a murder plot against prominent right-wing Hindus.
However, no evidence has yet been led against him.
He denies wrongdoing and claims to have been subjected to torture while in the custody of Punjab police, but no independent medical examination has ever taken place.
Both international justice organisation Reprieve and the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture have raised concerns about his treatment.
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Now Docherty-Hughes has been recognised for his campaigning and contribution to politics at the 550 Guru Nanak Gurpurb Awards, held by The Sikh Network to mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the faith.
He was presented with the prize by London mayor Sadiq Khan at a ceremony in that city earlier this week.
The SNP candidate, who is seeking reelection in West Dunbartonshire, commented: "While I wouldn't normally accept such an award, I do so on this occasion on behalf of the Singh Johal family of Dumbarton as an expression of my continued solidarity.
"Jagtar is a 'Son of the Rock' and his family here in Scotland have worked tirelessly in their fight for fairness and due process.
"The British Government has a lot to answer for and I'm determined to hold Boris Johnson to account for the mishandling of cases like Jagtar's.
"Whatever happens following the election on December 12, it's vital that Jaggi and his family have the government's full support in their continued campaign for justice."
Gurpreet Singh Johal, the brother of the detained man, recently told The National how the family has established telephone contact with him.
During the latest exchange, he reportedly told Gurpreet that he would "be home soon".
However, after 109 pre-trial hearings, little progress in his case has been made.
The internet marketer's family believes he may have been targeted for his nationality and blogging on the 1984 Sikh pogroms.
They have been critical of Boris Johnson's handling of the case and have accused UK authorities of failing to take sufficient action over Jaggi's arrest and detention.
Gurpreet commented: "Martin has been a strong voice for us in parliament as our MP, speaking up for Jagtar and challenging the Prime Minister at every opportunity. Martin has continued to keep his constituent's plight in the public domain and we are very grateful for his assistance during this tough time.
"The family are pleased that Martin's work and determination has been recognised. We look forward to continuing our campaign together to secure justice for Jaggi and bring him home."
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