For almost nine years, the government of India has pressed for the extradition of Sukhminder Singh Sandhu and Ranjit Singh Gill from the United States. Messrs. Sandhu and gill are natives of Punjab and are Sikhs. They are charged, in India, with conspiracy to assassinate General A.S. Vaidya, and in the killing of Congress (I) member Lalit Maken. They have not been accused of committing any crime in the United States.

If they are returned to India, Set face torture and extra Judicial execution, at the hands of the Indian security forces. ‘Amnesty International has intervened in the proceeding, and informed the U.S. federal court about the abysmal human rights situation in India for members of the Sikh religious faith, For nine years, the legal team Headed by the late civil rights lawyer William M. Kunstler, and including Mary Boresz! And Ronald L. Kuby, have fought successfully to prevent the extradition. In 1990, federal judge Robert W. Sweet granted a writ of habeas corpus, after it was revealed that the crucial place of evidence relief upon by the government. Of India was a confession from a caucused that was found to be “involuntary and untrue.” The U.S. court went on to characterize the human rights situation in India as “chilling.”

Instead of appealing this decision, the Indian government chose to re-file its extradition request before yet another magistrate.

In court hearing over the past few months, the Indian government has been directed to turn over all Indian court records related to these cases. Thus far, none of these documents have been produced. The Magistrate is also considering whether to permit a full hearing into the fate that would await Messrs. Sandhu arid Gill should they be returned to India. The Indian government is arguing strenuously against any court action that would place its atrocities against Sikhs under scrutiny. These two brave young men have endured many years in preventive detention while awaiting their fate. They have drawn inspiration from their deep religious faith, and, from the many people of goodwill who have offered them support and prayer. Their next case comes up for trial April 2, 1996. For more please contact: Gurdev Singh Gill (905) 6725785.

Article extracted from this publication >>  March 20, 1996