A day after Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, began his “indefinite” hunger strike in Tihar Jail, his family members on Friday said they are “very worried about the trial never happening”. and urged the British Government to intervene.
In a letter to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month, Michel called for the UK government’s intervention, saying he would go on a hunger strike until action was taken.
Michel’s legal team has argued that he was extradited to India by the United Arab Emirates in December 2018 in return for the return of Princess Latifah, the estranged daughter of the ruler of Dubai, who was allegedly taken from a boat in international waters off the coast of India. was forcibly taken away. March 2018.
Speaking from Paris, Michel’s wife, Valerie, said: “It’s been three years, absolutely no trial, no justice … My husband has no choice but to go on a hunger strike. And are concerned about emotional health.”
Sandeep Goel, director general of Tihar Jail, said, “No one of his rights has been violated. He has been given regular consular access as per procedure. He went on hunger strike yesterday… We are monitoring his health.” ; If medical intervention is required, the same will be provided.”
Advocate Aljo Joseph, representing Michel in the court, said he could face a maximum sentence of seven years and had already served 50 per cent of his sentence while awaiting trial. “Every other person (in this case) has been granted bail within a month or 15 days,” he said.
Michel’s bail application is listed for hearing in the Delhi High Court on December 2.
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