Family Of US Mercenary Matthew VanDyke Seeks Urgent Diplomatic Intervention Over Tihar Jail Detention

The family of American mercenary and rebel trainer Matthew VanDyke, who has been lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in March, has urged the US Embassy to intervene urgently and secure his return to the United States.

VanDyke's family, through his verified social media account, alleged that he has been denied basic detainee rights and is being kept in solitary confinement at Tihar Jail's prisons 8 and 9.

"The family of Matthew VanDyke seeks urgent US diplomatic intervention," the statement said, calling for efforts to "bring Matthew VanDyke back home".

Family Raises Health Concerns

The family has also raised concerns about VanDyke's health, claiming that he has an injured leg, diminished eyesight and has been denied prescription medicines and regular communication with relatives.

According to the statement issued by Sons of Liberty International (SOLI), an organisation founded by VanDyke, he was detained at Kolkata airport in March and later transferred from NIA custody to Tihar Jail on April 6.

His lawyers, Rohit Dandriyal and Rohit Gour, allegedly approached a Delhi court seeking permission for treatment at a private hospital and regular communication with his relatives in the US. The family said both applications were rejected on June 1.

The statement further claimed that VanDyke was too weak to stand or walk during a court appearance and now uses a wheelchair while meeting his lawyers.

His mother, Sharon VanDyke, who is aged over 80, was allegedly allowed only a five-minute emergency telephone call with him several months ago, according to the family.

Family Claims Hunger Strike And Weight Loss

The family also alleged that VanDyke began an "only-liquids hunger strike" on May 6 and attempted to end it on June 18.

In July, VanDyke reportedly approached a Delhi court seeking permission to prepare his own meals in Tihar Jail. He alleged that the prison food was too spicy and oily and had left him unable to eat for more than 50 days.

He also claimed to have lost around 14 kg since May 6 and sought permission to use an induction stove and prepare food including chicken, red meat, fish, pasta, rice, bread, vegetables and soy milk, with his family offering to bear the expenses.

The family said a court-approved application permitting humanitarian food was granted on July 21. It alleged that VanDyke was still waiting for an approved mosquito net and kettle and was eating mainly oatmeal because other food items purchased for him were not being provided.

"This is a humanitarian emergency for our family," his mother said in the statement.

NIA Allegations Against VanDyke

VanDyke has been booked under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which deals with conspiracy, attempts, aiding, advising or facilitating the commission of a terrorist act.

The NIA has alleged that VanDyke entered Mizoram without the mandatory Restricted Area Permit and subsequently crossed into Myanmar illegally.

The agency has further alleged that he contacted ethnic armed groups in Myanmar and helped train them in weapons handling and drone warfare, including drone assembly, operations and jamming technology.

According to the allegations, the group planned to procure drones from Europe and supply weapons and other military equipment to Myanmar-based groups linked to proscribed insurgent organisations operating in India's Northeast.

VanDyke was detained at Kolkata airport on March 13. On the same day, three Ukrainian nationals were arrested at Delhi airport, while three more Ukrainians were arrested at Lucknow airport.

US Officials Briefed, Family Says

According to VanDyke's family, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor had earlier briefed Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about his situation during Rubio's visit to New Delhi in May.

The family said Sharon VanDyke and SOLI spokesperson Gia Santos also travelled to Washington, DC, in June and July to meet Congressional offices and officials from the US State Department.

VanDyke's judicial custody has reportedly been extended until September 8.

Who Is Matthew VanDyke?

Matthew Aaron VanDyke is a Baltimore-born American filmmaker and founder of Sons of Liberty International, an organisation that describes itself as providing military training, security assistance and supplies to groups fighting terrorist organisations and authoritarian regimes.

He gained international attention during the 2011 Libyan civil war after joining rebel forces fighting Muammar Gaddafi's regime. He was captured by Gaddafi's forces and spent several months in solitary confinement before being freed during the fall of Tripoli.

VanDyke later worked with rebel groups in Syria and subsequently became involved in efforts against the Islamic State in Iraq.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, SOLI provided training to Ukrainian civilians and military personnel, while VanDyke also enlisted in Ukraine's armed forces.

His experiences in Libya were documented in the 2014 documentary Point and Shoot, which won the Best Documentary Feature award at the Tribeca Film Festival.

VanDyke has at times been described as a CIA asset, but there is no publicly available evidence establishing a formal relationship with the agency, and he has denied working for the CIA.

The NIA's allegations against VanDyke remain subject to judicial proceedings.