Campaigners have returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after flying out to support the legal battle of a group of Indian men on death row.

A delegation from Leicester travelled to the Middle East last week to attend an appeal court hearing of 17 men convicted of murdering a Pakistani worker in a fight.

The party representing Sharjah Prisoners Justice Group included city councillor Parmjit Singh Gill, Sital Singh Gill, the general secretary of Leicester Indian Workers Association and elder Kashmir Singh.

The defendants, aged 21 to 25, were arrested in 2009 and quickly convicted.

Human rights groups allege they were tortured into confessing by police.

Their appeal was due to be held on Wednesday last week but was adjourned to September 1 so translators can be appointed to represent them.

The delegation said they were denied access to the prisoners but were able to meet family members and lawyers.

Councillor Gill said: “The delegation met the British Consul General, various journalists, community leaders, leading business figures and other influential people including relatives and friends of the 17.

“The response to the visit by the local Indian community was overwhelmingly positive particularly given that they are limited by what the authorities allow in terms of lobbying.

“We will be seeking a meeting with the UAE Ambassador in London to press the issue.

“We will lobby the Indian government to introduce a policy which is more robust in protecting nationals abroad.”

The group will also press the Foreign Office to make representations opposing the death penalty.