Statement: Canada’s Investigation into India’s Transnational Repression and the Expulsion of Indian Diplomats

Statement: Canada’s Investigation into India’s Transnational Repression and the Expulsion of Indian Diplomats

October 18, 2024

Justice For All commends Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on its investigation into the Indian government’s involvement in the assassination of Sikh-Canadian leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was gunned down on June 18, 2023, outside a gurdwara that he led in Surrey, British Columbia.

Canada, subsequent to the investigation, has expelled several senior staff at the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, including the High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, who was sent a persona-non-grata notice. The RCMP says the decision to go public with this issue was necessary at this time due to the “significant threat to public safety.” Additionally, the investigators have indicated that they have evidence tying Indian agents to violent acts (including homicides), as well as interference in Canada’s democratic processes.

In light of these serious findings, Justice For All urges the Canadian government to maintain its commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of all individuals, particularly those targeted by foreign actors due to their political or human rights advocacy.

We recommend that Canada continue to strengthen its counterintelligence measures against foreign interference that targets vulnerable communities. Furthermore, we call on Canada to work closely with international partners to hold India accountable for its actions, ensuring that transnational repression is addressed through diplomatic and legal channels. It is crucial that Canada also provide greater support to affected communities, such as the Sikh and Kashmiri diasporas, ensuring they are protected from intimidation and violence.

Additionally, we recommend that the Canadian government reinforce mechanisms for the protection of human rights advocates and journalists, ensuring their freedom of speech and advocacy remain unhindered.

Justice For All remains committed to supporting these efforts and stands with those who continue to fight for justice and human rights globally.