Latest news with #ChristianMichel
The Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Children of Briton jailed in India for seven years without trial protest Modi's UK visit
As prime minister Sir Keir Starmer toasted what he called a 'historic day' for British- Indian relations at Chequers, just yards from Downing Street two young Britons stood with posters taped to their jackets and baggage. Alois Christian Michel and his sister Alienor were not protesting a government policy or trade deal. They were pleading for the freedom of their father Christian Michel. Michel, a British national, has spent over six years incarcerated in India's notorious Tihar Jail without trial. Despite bail orders from both the Delhi High Court and India's Supreme Court, he remains imprisoned after failing to meet the conditions set – leaving him trapped in a legal and political limbo with no end in sight. Michel's son, who gave an exclusive interview to The Independent during the protest with his sister, says they have lost patience with successive UK governments. 'The UK government has miserably failed to address human rights violations across Commonwealth countries, particularly in India,' says Alois, 27. 'A British national such as my father has now been illegally detained by Indian authorities for seven years, yet neither the previous government nor the present one has taken any concrete action against this inhumane conduct.' Their protest took place at the same time as Sir Keir and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi were meeting to approve a sweeping trade agreement worth £6bn in investment that is expected to boost Britain's GDP by nearly £5bn. Referring to British officials, Alois says: 'They say they'll 'raise interest' in the case. After seven years, is that all? It's ridiculous.' Michel, a businessman and consultant, was extradited from Dubai to India in 2018 over allegations he acted as a middleman in a 2010 defence deal involving Italian firm AgustaWestland. Indian investigators allege bribes were paid to secure a £322m contract to supply helicopters – charges he denies. India's legal system is notoriously slow and overburdened, which is why it has a law stipulating that a suspect must be released from prison once they have served half of what would have been the maximum sentence if they were convicted. In Michel's case that was seven years, meaning he should have been released midway through 2021. His lawyers argue he should be freed unconditionally – instead, the courts have granted him bail while investigators continue to probe his case. It means that Michel remains in prison because he cannot meet the stringent conditions imposed. He has no address in India, no family members in the country, and no one willing to act as a guarantor – factors that have rendered the bail order effectively meaningless. At a hearing in April, Michel revealed to the court that the only person willing to vouch for him was Jo Johnson, former MP and brother to ex-prime minister Boris Johnson. Back in London, his children remain cut off from their father, their only contact being brief, choked phone calls. 'The last time I spoke to him was last weekend. Less than 10 seconds,' Alois tells The Independent. 'That's all we get. I haven't seen him in nearly seven and a half years.' He was just 20 when his father was extradited. 'I was in the middle of my studies. Everything just stopped,' he recalls. 'Emotionally, financially, it's been really tough. And for my sister… she was just a teenager when our father was taken away.' The siblings have never visited their father in India. The reason, Alois says, is fear. 'He's in Tihar prison. I would like to see him, but how much am I risking by going there? In a country that doesn't follow its own laws, they could arrest me too – use me as leverage with my father,' he says. 'It's too dangerous. And I won't have me put in a position where my father is forced to do anything because of my arrest in India.' They have justification to be concerned. Michel has alleged two separate attempts on his life in prison, claiming that a hired killer confessed to being paid to assassinate him. Despite his appeals, no meaningful investigation was launched, he claims. 'A professional killer tried to kill me twice,' Michel told The Independent during an earlier court appearance. 'He was paid money, and they never investigated who paid him or why.' Michel's legal team argues that the entire case is politically motivated, a claim that gained traction after the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled in 2021 that his detention was arbitrary and called for his immediate release. 'The United Nations has said he should be released. Indian law states he should be released. And yet, here we are,' says Michel's son. 'All we're asking is for the Indian government to follow its own laws. And for the UK government to hold them to it.' 'We really just desperately want something to happen,' says Alois. 'Some people wait in hope. In our case, we wait in despair.' As his ordeal has stretched on, Michel's health has suffered. Earlier this year he was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in Delhi for hip surgery, and he has walked with a cane when attending court appearances since. 'We have one fear now,' Alois says. 'That he never comes back.' The broader implications of Michel's detention extend far beyond a single family's suffering. His case has become a litmus test of the UK government's willingness to protect its citizens abroad – particularly when doing so risks complicating lucrative diplomatic engagements. 'The people of Great Britain gave a clear and resounding mandate to the Labour Party to reclaim the country from the grip of bureaucratic dominance and restore the nation's pride,' says Michel's son. 'But this government, too, is proving weak – submissive to bureaucracy, unwilling to defend its own citizens.' Trade, security cooperation and joint efforts against organised crime dominated the headlines around the Modi-Starmer summit. But despite the family's heartbreak, Michel's imprisonment was not raised publicly during Modi's UK visit. Neither leader allowed the media to ask any questions and their talks took place in the prime minister's country residence, away from any public displays of anger in London. 'We are just asking both governments to respect the UN ruling,' Alois says. 'Follow the law, and let him go.'
India Gazette
29-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper Case: SC dismisses plea of Christian Michel
New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea filed by British citizen Christian Michel, accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, who challenged bail conditions imposed by the Delhi High Court in a money laundering case. A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sanjay Kumar rejected Michel's plea against some conditions imposed by the High Court on Michel. Michel has objected to the High Court's direction which asked him to provide the address where he intends to reside after his release. 'You have a permanent address inside the Tihar jail; stay there only. Finished. What to do? You have been granted bail. You don't even want to fulfil a condition of providing a local address,' said the bench as counsel of Michel objected to the conditions of the High Court. Michel's counsel contended that he did not have a local address and could not fulfil the condition of giving an address unless released from custody. He further submitted that the High Court does not have the power to issue directions to the British High Commission, which is a foreign authority. Michel had challenged the Delhi High Court's March 2025 order, which modified his bail conditions in the money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The High Court had allowed Michel to be released without submitting his passport immediately, as his earlier passport had expired. However, it directed that the British High Commission must deposit his new passport directly with the trial court when issued. It further directed that Michel should furnish the address where he intends to reside after release from the jail and the address would be verified by the trial court before his release. Michel is the alleged middleman arrested in 2018 in a money laundering case connected to the Rs 3,600-crore alleged scam relating to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland. He was extradited in 2018 after India won the extradition case in Dubai. He is accused of being a middleman for the alleged illegal transactions that took place in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal. The CBI had alleged that there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about 2666 Crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. Later ED filed a chargesheet against Michel in June, 2016, alleging that he had received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. (ANI)
Syyaha
20-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
SOPHOS Hotels SA and WATANIAH Business Groupto partner for the launch of the first Le Meridien HotelTabuk, KSA
RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 20, 2025: In partnership with WATANIAH Business Group, SOPHOS Hotels SA, one of the leading Third-party hotel operator, is set to manage a Le Meridien, one of Marriott International's premium brands, in Tabuk. Marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's evolving hospitality landscape. Sophos have signed this agreement to operate a property that is strategically located at a crucial commercial and logistical hub, bordering Jordan, the Red Sea, and other emerging regions across Saudi Arabia. With construction already advancing, the hotel is moving ahead and foreseen to open its doors Q1 2026. Le Meridien Tabuk is ideally positioned near the commercial district, shopping areas, and key transportation routes for effortless connectivity. Offering an exceptional business or leisure retreat with world-class comfort and service. The hotel will redefine opulence in Tabuk, ensuring an exclusive, serene, and one-of-a-kind experience for its clients. The hotel will offer 151 contemporary rooms and suites, each outfitted with cuttingedge technology and designed for optimal functionality. Elevating the guest experience further, the property will also feature an expansive presidential suite on its own exclusive floor, boasting sweeping panoramic views of the city. Le Meridien Tabuk will offer a culinary journey with specialty restaurants led by renowned chefs. In addition, a premier spa and wellness center will enhance the experience by providing rejuvenating and relaxing treatments within an environment of exceptional comfort. Christian Michel, Chief Executive Officer, Sophos Hotels SA, said: ' We are honored to partner with Wataniah in bringing this landmark hotel to a city that is rapidly evolving into a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity. This project reflects our shared vision to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom's transformative growth in hospitality and tourism. Through our partnership, we aim to uplift standards for excellence and support the continued evolution of this promising destination'. Meshaal Al Shuraia, Chairman, Wataniah Business Group, said: 'We are honored by this strategic partnership with SOPHOS Hotels SA to launch the first Le Meridien hotel in the Tabuk region. This project reflects our commitment to enhancing the tourism and economic development in the promising regions of the Kingdom, aligning with our aspirations to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. We believe that Tabuk possesses exceptional potential to become a key destination for business and tourism , and we are confident that this hotel will provide promising job opportunities for the local community and will be a valuable addition that strengthens the city's status, meeting the expectations of its residents and visitors, both locally and globally.'
Tourism Breaking News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
SOPHOS Hotels SA and WATANIAH Business Group to partner for the launch of the first Le Meridien Hotel Tabuk, KSA
Post Views: 121 In partnership with Wataniah Business Group, Sophos Hotels SA is set to manage a Le Meridien in Tabuk, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's evolving hospitality landscape. With construction already advancing, the hotel is moving ahead and foreseen to open its doors Q1 2026. Sophos have signed this agreement to operate a property that is strategically located at a crucial commercial and logistical hub, bordering Jordan, the Red Sea, and other emerging regions across Saudi Arabia. Le Meridien Tabuk is ideally positioned near the commercial district, shopping areas, and key transportation routes for effortless connectivity. Offering an exceptional business or leisure retreat with world-class comfort and service. The hotel will redefine opulence in Tabuk, ensuring an exclusive, serene, and one-of-a-kind experience for its clients. The hotel will offer 151 contemporary rooms and suites, each outfitted with cutting- edge technology and designed for optimal functionality. Elevating the guest experience further, the property will also feature an expansive presidential suite on its own exclusive floor, boasting sweeping panoramic views of the city. Le Meridien Tabuk will offer a culinary journey with specialty restaurants led by renowned chefs. In addition, a premier spa and wellness center will enhance the experience by providing rejuvenating and relaxing treatments within an environment of exceptional comfort. Christian Michel, Chief Executive Officer, Sophos Hotels SA, said: ' We are honored to partner with Wataniah in bringing this landmark hotel to a city that is rapidly evolving into a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity. This project reflects our shared vision to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom's transformative growth in hospitality and tourism. Through our partnership, we aim to uplift standards for excellence and support the continued evolution of this promising destination'. Meshaal Al Shuraia, Chairman, Wataniah Business Group, said: 'We are honored by this strategic partnership with SOPHOS Hotels SA to launch the first Le Meridien hotel in the Tabuk region. This project reflects our commitment to enhancing the tourism and economic development in the promising regions of the Kingdom, aligning with our aspirations to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. We believe that Tabuk possesses exceptional potential to become a key destination for business and tourism, and we are confident that this hotel will provide promising job opportunities for the local community and will be a valuable addition that strengthens the city's status, meeting the expectations of its residents and visitors, both locally and globally.'
Trade Arabia
13-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Sophos Hotels to manage Wataniah's Le Meridien Hotel in Tabuk
Sophos Hotels, in partnership with Wataniah Business Group, is set to manage Marriott International's Le Meridien in Tabuk. The hotel is strategically located near the commercial and logistical hub, bordering Jordan and the Red Sea. Construction is advancing, and the hotel is expected to open in Q1 2026. The signing ceremony took place at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Riyadh 2025. The property will offer 151 contemporary rooms and suites, each equipped with cutting-edge technology. An expansive presidential suite will be on its exclusive floor, offering panoramic city views. The hotel will also feature specialty restaurants led by renowned chefs and a premier spa and wellness center, providing rejuvenating treatments in a comfortable environment. The hotel will redefine opulence in Tabuk, offering an exclusive, serene, and one-of-a-kind experience for its clients. Christian Michel, Chief Executive Officer, Sophos Hotels SA, said: " We are honored to partner with Wataniah in bringing this landmark hotel to a city that is rapidly evolving into a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity. This project reflects our shared vision to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom's transformative growth in hospitality and tourism. Through our partnership, we aim to uplift standards for excellence and support the continued evolution of this promising destination'. Meshaal Al Shuraia, Chairman, Wataniah Business Group, said: "We are honored by this strategic partnership with SOPHOS Hotels SA to launch the first Le Meridien hotel in the Tabuk region. This project reflects our commitment to enhancing the tourism and economic development in the promising regions of the Kingdom, aligning with our aspirations to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. We believe that Tabuk possesses exceptional potential to become a key destination for business and tourism, and we are confident that this hotel will provide promising job opportunities for the local community and will be a valuable addition that strengthens the city's status, meeting the expectations of its residents and visitors, both locally and globally."
