*Update: on May 16th, I along with a delegation of Sikh community representatives, delivered, by hand a clemency request for the lives of these men directly to 10 Downing Street.

Back in January 2009, 17 Indian nationals, predominantly from the Punjab region were sentenced to death in a Sharjah court, in the UAE for bootlegging and the murder of a Pakistani national. Ever since, many difference groups have pleaded for clemency on their behalf. I wanted to raise awareness to their plight and urge you all to sign the following online petition to have their sentences commuted:

http://www.petition.co.uk/save-sikhs-in-dubai

Recent positive news is that the Indian government has decided to absorb their legals fees.

I will be participating in a demonstration being organised by the Sikh Channel this weekend. I believe this is a cause that all communities can rally around regardless of their background.

Gurcharan