Matthew VanDyke, a United States citizen, has been released on bail after being detained in India for over six months. He was accused of supporting ethnic separatist groups and was released alongside six Ukrainian nationals. VanDyke returned to the US on Saturday morning, reuniting with his family, according to a family spokesperson.
VanDyke, 47, was detained in March by Indian authorities. His consultancy, based in Washington, DC, claims to provide security consulting and training to vulnerable populations. The Congress party, India's main opposition, commented on his release, suggesting that US pressure influenced the outcome, questioning what India gained in return.
Prior to his release, VanDyke's family reported that his health had deteriorated, citing a month-long hunger strike in Tihar Jail aimed at improving prison conditions. He reportedly required a wheelchair for court appearances. VanDyke denied the allegations against him, stating he was in the region to document the situation of minority ethnic groups.
Earlier this month, Indian prosecutors opted not to pursue terrorism charges against VanDyke and the others, instead accusing them of visa violations for entering restricted areas near the Myanmar border. VanDyke, a former filmmaker and rebel fighter during the Arab Spring, previously spent time in a Libyan prison. He has been based in Ukraine in recent years, where his consultancy has trained military forces.
Diane Foley, mother of journalist James Foley, expressed her sadness over VanDyke's arrest and health condition, stating her foundation called for his release on humanitarian grounds.