US citizen held in NIA case seeks medical care, family urges diplomatic push
Family of US citizen Matthew Van Dyke, held under UAPA with six Ukrainians, seeks medical care and diplomatic help amid health concerns.
The family of Matthew Van Dyke, a U.S. citizen arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) along with six Ukrainians, has renewed appeals for diplomatic intervention, citing deteriorating health and prison conditions. The accused is lodged in a high-security ward at Tihar Jail in Delhi, with judicial custody extended until September 8.
Van Dyke was detained at Kolkata airport on March 11 and later arrested by the NIA. He was transferred to Tihar on April 6 despite an injured leg, declining eyesight, and lack of access to prescribed medication, according to his family. The family also said his mother, Sharon Van Dyke, who is over 80, was allowed only a five-minute emergency call months ago.
Sons of Liberty International, the NGO founded by Van Dyke, said he began a liquids-only hunger strike on May 6, which he attempted to end on June 18. A humanitarian food application was approved on July 21, but the family says approved items such as mosquito nets and a kettle have not been provided, and Van Dyke is reportedly eating only oatmeal.
Advocates Rohit Dandriyal and Rohit Gour moved the Delhi Court seeking treatment at a private hospital and proper communication with family in the U.S. The court denied both requests on June 1, citing foreign government communications. Van Dyke was reportedly too weak to stand during a court appearance and uses a wheelchair to meet attorneys.
The NIA has charged Van Dyke and the six Ukrainians under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which pertains to conspiracy to commit terrorist acts. The agency has alleged the group entered India on tourist visas, travelled to Mizoram without a Protected Area Permit, crossed into Myanmar, and planned to train armed ethnic groups in weapons handling and drone warfare. They are also suspected of smuggling drones into Myanmar.
The family said the U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, has raised the issue with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his May visit to Delhi. The External Affairs Ministry has not yet responded. Van Dyke's mother and family spokesperson Gia Santos visited Washington in June and July to meet Congressional offices and the State Department. The NIA has not yet filed a chargesheet, and the specific allegations against Van Dyke remain unclear.