YouTuber Faces Charges for Sentinelese Tribe Visit

Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, a 24-year-old American YouTuber from Arizona, has been arrested by Indian police for illegally visiting North Sentinel Island, home to the isolated Sentinelese tribe, known for their hostility to outsiders. Polyakov attempted to make contact by leaving a Diet Coke and a coconut as offerings but did not interact with the tribe directly. He was detained after staying on the island for a short time and is now in judicial custody, facing charges that could result in a five-year prison sentence. The U.S. Embassy has been informed about his situation, and Indian authorities are investigating his intentions and previous activities in the region. The Sentinelese have a history of violent reactions to intruders, as seen in past incidents involving fatalities. Legal protection is in place to prevent contact with the tribe to preserve their way of life and protect them from diseases for which they lack immunity.