[ad_1]
The son of a British businessman detained in a famous Indian prison told Sky News that he hopes Boris Johnson will act to save his father.
Christian Michel, 59, was jailed in 2018 in the wake of one of India’s biggest defense deal scandals.
His lawyers claim that he was extradited from the UAE to India in a de facto prisoner exchange with Princess Latifa, the daughter of the ruler of Dubai who tried to leave the country in 2018.
Mr. Michel is currently held in Tihar Prison in Delhi, where he claims to have been kept in inhumane conditions, including long-term solitary confinement and sleep deprivation.
On Friday, the United Nations demanded the immediate release of Mr. Michel, stating that his detention is illegal.
Michel is accused of being involved in corruption related to a helicopter contract, but denies the allegations.
In the family’s first interview, their 26-year-old son Alaric Michel told Sky News how the UN statement has brought hope to his family that they have not seen Michel in three years.
He said, “What’s horrible is that you only have two parents in your life. Fortunately I have two amazing parents. Now when one is taken away from you, it is difficult to deal with it, specifically at a young age.
“I have a little sister who is now turning 17, she has grown up without a father for quite a few years.”
He added: “I think it’s good that we are finally having the vocal and physical support of the UN, which is obviously something we need. Because if you have the backing of the UN, then clearly something is wrong and it is not at our end. “
Mr. Michel in the photo with his family
Harrogate, North Yorkshire-born Christian Michel is accused of being involved in corruption related to a multi-million dollar helicopter contract.
In 2010, an agreement was reached between India and the defense company AgustaWestland for 12 helicopters, worth more than 556 million euros.
Three years later, an investigation was launched in Italy that named Mr. Michel. It examined an alleged fraud in relation to the contract between India and the Anglo-Italian company.
The Italian investigation acquitted the defendants, while an investigation in India led to Michel being accused of paying bribes to Indian officials.
Alaric Michel is concerned about his father’s health and hopes Prime Minister Boris Johnson will intervene.
“My main concern, obviously, is my father’s health … He is in prison in some of the worst conditions.
“That is one aspect that I am still struggling to deal with.”
He said he hopes Johnson will help his father.
“I hope you keep in mind that you are a citizen of the United Kingdom and a citizen of the United Kingdom under your protection as Prime Minister of our country. It is important for people to realize that this is happening to my father, but it really could be anyone “.
Princess Latifa Al Maktoum, daughter of the ruler of Dubai, tried to flee Dubai in 2018
In 2018, Christian Michel was working in Dubai. That year he was arrested and extradited to India.
Speaking from a Dubai prison cell before his extradition to India, Michel says in a video, never seen before but recently seen by Sky News: “In 2018, everything changed.
“An event occurred in the Indian Ocean that completely changed my life and the procedures I was in.”
He adds: “The ruler’s daughter tried to escape this country, Dubai, on the ship, and was captured in the Indian Ocean by the Indian coast guard at the request of the ruler of Dubai to the Prime Minister of India.” .
“So now I am in a Dubai jail facing extradition.
“None of this would matter to me, except for a series of meetings that took place in July, after Latifa’s return.”
He claims that the Indian authorities repeatedly pressured him in those meetings to sign a statement in which he claimed that he had paid money to the Indian opposition party. He said no.
In December of that year, he was finally extradited to India when the United Arab Emirates confirmed a second request from the Indian authorities.
Michel’s claim that he was handed over to India in exchange for the country’s help in the Latifa case has been recognized by the UN.
In a statement, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said: “The Working Group notes with concern the presentation of the source, which has not been questioned by any of the governments, that the approval by the Emirates United Arabs of India’s extradition request was de facto barter for the capture of India and the return of a high-profile detainee to Dubai, reportedly authorized by the Indian Prime Minister … “
He added that “the appropriate remedy would be for the government of India to release Mr. Michel immediately and for both governments to grant him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law.”
Mr Michel’s family hasn’t seen him in three years
Attorney Toby Cadman, who is working pro bono to free Michel, said: “The procedure followed in Christian’s case can only be described as a flagrant denial of justice and a circumvention of the rule of law.”
Lawyer Francois Zimeray, who also represents Michel and his family, told Sky News: “This is a rare and important decision that condemns two states together. No state should allow such methods, contrary to any notion of justice and dignity. “.
The Indian authorities rejected the UN allegations that due process was not followed and told the UN that it has a “vibrant and independent judiciary”.
They also said that the “arrest and subsequent custody of Mr. Michel is in accordance with the judicial process established by law.”
The embassies of India and the United Arab Emirates did not respond to our requests for comment.
A spokesperson for the UK foreign office said staff are supporting Mr Michel and regularly present his case to the Indian authorities, including the Indian High Commissioner in the UK. They added that the UN Working Group statement is being “annotated” and “considered.”
Subscribe to the daily podcast at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, former Irish President Mary Robinson admitted she made a “big mistake” and was “naive” about the Princess Latifa case.
The former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights had met Princess Latifa at a luncheon following an invitation from the Dubai royal family in 2018, months after she tried to flee the country. Ms. Robinson later described her as a “troubled young woman.”
Speaking to RTE on Friday, Ms. Robinson said she “believes 100% in Latifa now” and said she should be released, adding: “I made a mistake. I let my heart guide my head. I went to help a friend. I was naive. I should have been more alert. “
