The Czech justice ministry has stated that India's judicial authorities have "no jurisdiction" in the case of Nikhil Gupta, who is currently facing extradition proceedings requested by the United States. Gupta's family had approached the Supreme Court seeking intervention, alleging forced consumption of beef and pork during his detention in Czech custody. The Czech justice ministry spokesperson dismissed these allegations and confirmed that Gupta is represented by a defense counsel of his own choice. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that India has had consular access to Gupta three times and is providing necessary consular help. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to US allegations, affirming India's commitment to the rule of law and stating that India is ready to look into any evidence provided.
India has received consular access on three occasions to Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national currently in custody in the Czech Republic pending extradition to the US. Gupta is accused by the US government of involvement in a foiled plot to kill a US-based Khalistani terrorist. India has constituted a probe committee to investigate the allegations and is extending necessary consular assistance to Gupta. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a plea by Gupta's family for intervention in the extradition proceedings. The US has charged Gupta with conspiring to kill the Khalistani terrorist, and five Indian-American members of the US Congress have cautioned that failure to hold those responsible could damage India-US ties.
The Prison Service of the Czech Republic has responded to allegations made by Nikhil Gupta's family, stating that their correctional institutions undergo thorough scrutiny by national and international bodies, and that all human rights and legal standards are followed meticulously. Gupta, who is currently detained in Prague's Pankrac prison, is accused by US authorities of plotting to kill a Khalistan separatist. Gupta's family has alleged violations of basic rights, denial of consular access, and inappropriate diet in the prison. The Prison Service spokesperson emphasized that there are internal and external checks in place to ensure compliance with standards, and inmates are allowed to communicate with the outside world. Regarding the diet, the spokesperson stated that special dietary requests based on cultural and religious traditions are accommodated.
The British government has demanded consular access to Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is facing a national security trial. The UK government reiterated that Lai is a British citizen and expressed frustration over Hong Kong authorities' failure to recognize his citizenship. Numerous Western governments called for Lai's release, and observers from at least 10 consulates were present in court. The trial has drawn international attention, with concerns raised about the erosion of Hong Kong's rule of law. The European Union also expressed its concern, stating that the trial undermines confidence in the rule of law in Hong Kong.
The Indian ambassador to Qatar has met with eight former Indian Navy personnel who are currently on death row, with two hearings having taken place on their appeal against the capital punishment. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has described the ruling as "deeply" shocking and has vowed to explore all legal options in the case. The ambassador has been granted consular access to the prisoners and India is closely following the matter, providing legal and consular assistance. The charges against the Indian nationals, who worked with private company Al Dahra, have not been made public by either the Qatari authorities or New Delhi.
The Kremlin has expressed openness to discussions with the United States regarding a potential prisoner exchange that could involve detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been held in Moscow on espionage charges since March. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that while contacts on the matter have taken place, they should be conducted in private. The U.S. ambassador to Moscow was recently allowed to visit Gershkovich, marking the first consular access since April. Gershkovich's arrest has drawn international attention, with his employer and the U.S. government asserting his wrongful detention. The case has raised concerns among journalists in Russia, where authorities have not provided evidence to support the charges.
