Sikh organizations across the UK have issued public statements urging people not to link the Sikh faith with the ongoing murder trial linked to the death of 18-year-old University of Southampton student Henry Novak.A statement issued by the British Sikh Federation expressed condolences to Nowak’s family and said the incident was inconsistent with Sikh teachings and values.“On behalf of Sikh organizations and communities across the country, we express our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life,” the statement read.“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Novak family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.”The groups said the case should not be used to make broader assumptions about Sikh beliefs or religious practices.“This incident as reported is not in keeping with the Sikh faith, the Sikh community or the principles it represents,” the statement added.“The teachings of Sikhism are based on compassion, justice, humility, responsibility and service to humanity.”The statement also described the Sikh community as peaceful, well-integrated and an important part of British society.Community leaders urged the public to allow legal proceedings to proceed without prejudice and called for restraint in the public discussion surrounding the case.“We respectfully urge everyone to allow the judicial process to proceed fairly and without bias and not to make broad assumptions or judgments about Sikh beliefs or Sikh religious practices on a case-by-case basis,” the statement said.The comments were made during the trial of Vickrum Digwa, 23, at Southampton Crown Court.Henry Nowak was stabbed to death in Belmont Road, Southampton, on December 3, 2025. Digwa denies murder and denies carrying a blade in public.The court heard Nowak, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, was inflicted with five wounds, including a fatal wound to the chest, by a kirpan, a 21cm Sikh ceremonial blade.Digueva, who claims he acted in self-defense after an argument, claims Novak racially abused him, punched him, pulled off his turban and grabbed his hair during a confrontation after a night out.The defendant told the court he feared Nowak would use Kilpan against him.His mother Kiran Kaur is also on trial for allegedly assisting criminals in removing weapons from the scene. She denies the allegation.The trial is ongoing.
