Jaspal Atwal 'shocked and devastated' by invite fallout, says he's no terrorist

Jaspal Atwal, a man convicted of attempted murder for his role in an attack on an Indian politician, said today he's not a terroristand is sorry for any "embarrassment" his invitationto an event at the Canadian High Commission in India might have caused.

When photographs surfaced ofAtwalposing with Canadian officials in Mumbai, media in India and Canada asked how the convicted criminal was able to obtain a travel visa and secure invitations to formal events linked to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's official tour.

Speaking to reporters in Vancouver Thursday, Atwal said he has "nothing but regret and remorse" for his role in the 1986 attack on an Indian minister of state, adding he is no longer a supporter of the Sikh independence movement.

Atwal read from a prepared statement and refused to answer questions from reporters, leaving those to his lawyer.

"I, like the vast majority of Sikhs who once advocated for this cause, have reconciled with the nation of India," he said.

"I have nothing but regret and remorse for my actions and the suffering I caused to the victim. What I did was described as an act of terror by the judge who dealt with this matter. I accept full responsibility. I do not disagree with the court's conclusions."

Atwal 'devastated' for causing embarrassment

7 years ago

Duration 2:33

Jaspal Atwal says he is 'shocked and devastated' for causing embarrassment to Canada, India, and his family.

Atwalwas convictedof the attempted murder of Indian cabinet minister MalkiatSinghSidhuduring a visit to Vancouver Island in 1986.He was also chargedbut not convictedin a 1985 attack on Ujjal Dosanjh, who later became B.C. premier and a federal Liberal cabinet minister. More recently, he was found liable in an automobile fraud case.

Atwal said he has been active in Indo-Canadian politics for years meeting with Liberal, Conservative and NDPpoliticians alike andvisited Parliament Hill three times in 2013 and 2014.

"I have met and been photographed with many politicians, from all parties," he said. "I have met many politicians who have wanted to reach out to the Indian community. I have had assisted with making sure the Indian community was able to communicate with politicians."

Atwal said he reached out to Liberal MP Randeep Saraibefore the trip to India, asking if he could secure an invitation to the official reception with Trudeauat the Canadian High Commission. He said he "assumed there would be no problems" with his presence at the event.

'Political embarrassment'

"When my attendance became the news story that brings us here today, I was completely shocked and devastated," he said.

Atwal's lawyer, RishiGill, said his client went through the "proper channels" to get an invitationto the event, adding those who feign ignorance about his criminal past are being disingenuous.

"He assumed he was vetted appropriately. He has not hid who he is. If you Google Mr. Atwal, you will find information about him," Gill said.

"He was a political embarrassment to the prime minister, that's obviously accepted ... but let's make sure this is on the record Mr. Atwal presents absolutely no security threat to this country or any other country."

Atwal reads full statement to reporters

7 years ago

Duration 6:08

Jaspal Atwal reads a statement expressing his embarrassment for becoming the focal point of PM Justin Trudeau's recent visit to India.

Saraihas since apologizedfor invitingAtwaland hasresignedas the Liberals' Pacific caucus chair.

Atwal said thiswas not his first visit to India since his release from custody, adding he travelled to his homeland twice in 2017 and received a visa from the Indian government without trouble.

"At all times I visited India lawfully and with the full permission of the Indian government," he said.

A senior government official with knowledge of the prime minister's security protocolssuggested to reporters in a background briefing, arranged by the Prime Minister's Office,thatAtwal'sinvitationswere arranged by factions within the Indian government.

Conservatives later identified the official asDaniel Jean,Trudeau's national security adviser.

When asked about the notion that his client had been invited by rogue elements in the Indian government, Gill said he'd like the official who made that suggestion to go on the record with formal accusations.

"Mr. Atwal at no point has considered himself, or been approached in such a fashion by any Indian representative, that he would act as an agent of some sort.There was some bandyingabout of the word informant that is not correct, he absolutely denies that," he said.