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.
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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 ArticleChristian Michel: Family Of British Man Held In India For Seven Years Without Trial Ask Foreign Office To Help - Great Yorkshire Radio
Christian Michel, 63, has been held since 2018, accused of bribing Indian officials to win a multimillion-dollar helicopter contract. He denies the allegations. Investigators say he was paid almost £26m in kickbacks for his part in a 2010 deal won by British-Italian defence company AgustaWestland, which they estimate cost the Indian exchequer around £344m. The deal, for 12 luxury helicopters, was cancelled in 2014 amid the corruption allegations…
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Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
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67% Center
L 33%
C 67%
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