Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Christian Michel: Family of British man held in India for seven years without trial ask foreign office to help

Christian Michel was held for seven years without trial on bribery charges involving nearly £26 million in kickbacks linked to a cancelled helicopter contract.

  • Christian Michel, a 63-year-old British national, has been held without trial at Tihar Jail in New Delhi following his 2018 extradition from the UAE on charges of bribery connected to a 2010 helicopter contract.
  • His detention follows allegations that he received nearly £26 million in kickbacks to help British-Italian firm AgustaWestland win a cancelled 2014 multimillion-dollar deal, amid claims India violated its Extradition Act by adding charges post-extradition.
  • His family, including his son Alois and sister Alienor, emphasize he served the maximum seven-year sentence without trial, calling the detention illegal and highlighting serious human rights violations confirmed by the UN Working Group in 2020.
  • Alois met with UK Foreign Office minister Catherine West to advocate for government involvement in his father's situation, specifically urging them to pursue legal action at the International Court of Justice; however, he did not secure any definite promises, only an indication that his requests would be considered.
  • The family's appeal and UN findings underscore ongoing legal and diplomatic challenges, while the UK Government states commitment to resolving the case amid calls for urgent release and government action.
Insights by Ground AI
Does this summary seem wrong?

8 Articles

Evening StandardEvening Standard
+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Center

Family of British man detained in India without trial urge UK Government to act

Christian Michel, 63, has been held in an Indian prison for seven years, the maximum sentence for the alleged crime he was extradited for.

·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center

Factuality 

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Sky News UK broke the news in United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Sources are mostly out of (0)
News
For You
Search
BlindspotLocal