MEMBERS of the Sikh community in the North-East are supporting a campaign to free a man facing the death penalty in India.

Prof Davinderpal Singh Bhullar is facing death after he was denied asylum by Germany and sent back to India where he had been found guilty of conspiracy and being a political dissident.

The guilty verdict was given by a split decision. The lead judge said he thought the evidence was unsound and Prof Bhuller should be found not guilty. Campaigners trying to secure his freedom say the verdict was based on a false confession made under threat of torture.

Last week they staged protests in London - outside the German Embassy and the Foreign Commonwealth Office - calling for international pressure to help to free him.

Four members of the British Sikh group in the North-East have presented a letter to Darlington MP Alan Milburn's office, asking that it be forwarded to Secretary of State Jack Straw.

The letter asks Mr Straw to use his influence to help to save Prof Bhuller's life.

Parminder Singh of Akal Federation in Darlington said: "We wanted to make sure the British Government, the international community and the German Government knew that Sikhs in the North-East were also backing this campaign."