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He is an American filmmaker and mercenary and has run an organization named Sons of Liberty International (SOLI). He had previously fought with rebels in the Libyan civil war and was captured by Gaddafi’s forces there. Apart from this, his name has also appeared in conflict areas like Syria, Iraq and Ukraine. This is the reason why after his arrest in India, both his old war work and the current NIA case are in discussion.

Who is Matthew VanDyke?

Matthew Aaron VanDyke is from Baltimore city of America. Apart from being a filmmaker himself, he is also the founder of Sons of Liberty International i.e. SOLI. He studied at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Much of VanDyke’s work has been in areas of the world where war and armed conflict was going on. During the Libyan civil war in 2011, he joined rebel groups fighting against Muammar Gaddafi. During this time, he was captured by Gaddafi’s army and was kept in custody for about six months.

What is the connection with the Libyan war?

After being imprisoned in Libya, VanDyke managed to escape from there. Later he returned to the field with the rebel fighters. A documentary film was also made on his life and Libyan experience, named Point and Shoot. This film received the Best Documentary Feature award at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival. After this, he also had connections with conflict areas like Syria and Iraq. He worked with some rebel groups and provided advice and training to them.

Why was the Sons of Liberty International organization formed?

VanDyke started Sons of Liberty International in 2014 after the murders of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff. It is a non-profit organization whose objective is to provide training and security assistance to local forces in areas affected by terrorist organizations and armed conflicts. VanDyke later worked with local forces fighting the Islamic State in Iraq. After Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022, his organization trained civilians and soldiers in Ukraine. VanDyke himself had joined the Ukrainian army.

Why did NIA catch him?

Now the question arises that why did the NIA in India pay attention to VanDyke? According to the agency, VanDyke reached Mizoram without the required restricted area permit and entered Myanmar illegally from there. NIA alleges that after reaching Myanmar, he contacted the ethnic armed groups present there. According to the agency, these groups were given training to the use of weapons and drone warfare. It is alleged that things like making drones, operating them and technology to jam drones are involved. The NIA also claims that these groups had plans to source drones from Europe and deliver weapons and military equipment to Myanmar-based groups associated with banned militant organizations in the north-eastern region of India. In this case, Section 18 of UAPA has been imposed against Vandyke. This section deals with matters like conspiring, attempting or promoting terrorist activity.

The story started from the airport in March

VanDyke was detained at Kolkata Airport on 13 March. On the same day, information about arrest of some Ukrainian citizens from Delhi and Lucknow airports also came to light. After this, VanDyke was kept in NIA custody and later sent to Tihar Jail. According to the statement issued by the family, he was shifted to Tihar Jail on 6 April.

What happened in jail, what allegations did the family make?

VanDyke’s family says concerns grew about his health in jail. According to the family, his leg was injured and his eyesight was also weak. He claims that he was not getting the medicines prescribed by the doctor and the facility of regular communication with his family. According to the family, his 80-year-old mother Sharon VanDyke was allowed only five-minute emergency phone calls in several months. The family also claimed that VanDyke was unable to stand or walk during a court appearance and is now using a wheelchair to meet with lawyers.

Why did the matter become more serious in May?

According to the family’s statement, VanDyke began a hunger strike on May 6, consuming only liquids. He tried to end it on June 18. The family claims that he had problems with the jail food and due to not being able to eat for a long time, his weight reduced by about 14 kg. This matter reached the court in July. VanDyke sought permission to cook his own food in Tihar Jail. He said that he was not able to eat the spicy and oily food of the jail. The family also offered to bear the cost of an induction stove and normal food arrangements of their choice. According to the family, on July 21, the application for permission for special food was approved on humanitarian grounds. However, they allege that they have not yet received even the approved items like mosquito nets and kettles.

Why is help being sought from America now?

Now VanDyke’s family has demanded immediate intervention of the US Embassy in the matter. The family says that he is being kept alone in Tihar Jail and he should be given the necessary rights as an American citizen. According to the family’s statement, US Ambassador Sergio Gore had earlier informed India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about VanDyke’s condition. Family members also visited Washington in June and July and met officials of the US State Department and Congress.

Where has the matter reached now?

VanDyke’s judicial custody has been extended till September 8. The NIA is investigating the allegations leveled against him, while the family is continuously seeking help from the US government. On one hand, there are serious allegations by the investigating agency in this entire matter, while on the other hand, VanDyke’s family is raising questions about his health and rights in jail. Now only further legal action and investigation will clarify what facts emerge in the allegations leveled against him.