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Albert Douglas, left, set to be released for Christmas. Radha Stirling, right, of Detained in Dubai worked with the United Nations to secure his release. United Nations Rules UAE must free and compensate British Grandfather beaten and tortured in prison. Family expects Albert will be home for Christmas. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) has issued a landmark ruling (attached) in the case of British citizen Albert Douglas , finding that his imprisonment in the United Arab Emirates was arbitrary, unlawful, and in violation of international law. The UN has called for Mr Douglas’s immediate release and for his right to compensation for the suffering endured during his detention. The case was brought before the UN by Radha Stirling , a leading UAE legal expert and founder of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International , who has represented Mr Douglas and his family since his arrest. Stirling presented extensive evidence to the UN demonstrating that Mr Douglas was subjected to torture, denied access to medical care, and detained following grossly unfair judicial proceedings. “Albert’s ordeal exemplifies the systemic corruption and human rights abuses that continue unabated in the UAE,” said Stirling. “The UN’s findings confirm that Albert was wrongfully imprisoned and remains unlawfully detained. The British government must now act decisively to secure his release and ensure he receives the compensation and rehabilitation he deserves.” The UN Working Group concluded that the UAE’s actions against Mr Douglas contravened multiple articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including rights to liberty, due process, and freedom from torture. The opinion has also been referred to other UN bodies, including the Special Rapporteur on Torture, for further investigation and follow-up. Despite the UN’s findings, Mr Douglas remains trapped in the UAE, where his health continues to deteriorate.  However, his family has been told he is now being processed for deportation and will be home before Christmas. “My father has already been through years of suffering. The UN has made it clear that he should never have been imprisoned in the first place. It’s outrageous that has been there so long. We are truly hoping he will be home by Christmas.” Stirling added that the ruling represents an important precedent for other foreign nationals wrongfully detained in the UAE and underscores the international community’s growing concern about human rights violations in the Gulf state. “The UN’s decision is unequivocal,” Stirling said. “Albert Douglas must be released immediately, and the UAE held accountable for its abuse of power. It is shocking that the British government has failed to secure the release of a tortured elderly man, despite this definitive ruling. “Other governments, including the US and Irish have managed to have several of their wrongfully detained citizens released during the time Albert has been detained. There have been changes of administration in the UK during this time, but nothing has changed for Albert. With this ruling in place, the British government must meet with their counterparts to arrange Albert’s release and safe return to the UK”. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai +44 7 309 114 195

Tortured Grandfather to be freed from Dubai jail after UN ruling

Albert Douglas, left, set to be released for Christmas. Radha Stirling, right, of Detained in Dubai worked with the United Nations to secure his release. United Nations Rules UAE must free and compensate British Grandfather beaten and tortured in prison. Family expects Albert will be home for Christmas. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) has issued a landmark ruling (attached) in the case of British citizen Albert Douglas , finding that his imprisonment in the...

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Mass warrantless surveillance a risk to every citizen, says human rights advocate, Radha Stirling. Human rights expert, Radha Stirling, warns Digital ID will erode privacy, justice and due process while empowering authoritarian regimes LONDON:   Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai   and Due Process International , has issued an urgent warning over global Digital ID and surveillance initiatives, calling them “the final step toward total digital control.” Stirling, who has represented countless clients prosecuted for social media posts, cybercrime charges and politically motivated Interpol  notices, said governments are building a system that will link every aspect of citizens’ lives, from speech to spending, and share that data internationally. “Over the past two decades, I have represented people who have been jailed, tortured or financially destroyed because governments misused information systems without restraint or accountability,”  said Stirling. “We have seen what happens when states are handed unchecked power, from Interpol abuse to cybercrime prosecutions used as political weapons, to the capture of Princess Latifa when US intelligence data was shared with the UAE to locate and seize her. Where states have authority, citizens suffer. There is no care for the human consequences, no responsibility and no compensation, only power exercised without restraint. “Now governments want to fuse all that authority into a single Digital ID system. Once your identity, finances, location and communications are linked, it becomes effortless to silence critics, freeze accounts or destroy livelihoods with a keystroke. That is not progress; it is an authoritarian dream wrapped in the language of safety and convenience. This would require a trust in government that they have never been able to earn.” Digital ID schemes are being sold to the public as innovations in security, fraud prevention and climate policy, but Stirling warns they are in fact the infrastructure of global surveillance. “These systems will not stop at national borders,”  she said. “Under the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and countless bilateral data-sharing agreements, your personal data will flow to foreign governments, including authoritarian states with horrific human-rights records. Once shared, that data will be repurposed and misused, just as it was in the Princess Latifa case. This puts people’s very lives at risk.” Stirling pointed to how technology has already been weaponised against ordinary citizens. In Canada, peaceful demonstrators during the 2022 truckers’ protest had their bank accounts frozen under emergency powers, a test run for programmable finance. In the Middle East and the UK, thousands have been jailed for tweets or private messages under sweeping cybercrime laws, while in the UK and EU, Online Safety Acts  are enabling governments to mandate identity verification for social media use, effectively ending anonymity. “Digital ID will fuse all these powers together,”  Stirling said. “It is the bridge between censorship, financial coercion and physical control.” As a legal expert who has defended journalists, entrepreneurs and cryptocurrency innovators targeted by politicised prosecutions, Stirling said Digital ID will obliterate confidentiality and fairness in legal proceedings. “Governments will be able to monitor communications between lawyers and clients in real time, retrieve data years later and build cases against opponents retroactively. Once every keystroke and transaction is stored under your ID, the presumption of innocence disappears. Justice depends on privacy, and privacy cannot survive Digital ID.” Stirling warns that new legislation will gradually make Digital ID mandatory across public and private sectors. Banks, telecoms and social media platforms will be required to demand it for registration or service access. “Once the system becomes essential to live and work, suspension or denial of your ID means civil death,” Radha Stirling said.  “You will not be able to travel, run a business, buy food or even speak online. The infrastructure for this already exists; governments just have not connected the final wires.” “I have seen how easily governments weaponise technology against the people they are meant to protect,”  Stirling concluded. “Digital ID will place democratic nations in the same surveillance ecosystem as dictatorships. Once introduced, there will be no way back. You cannot vote your way out of a digital cage once it is built.” Radha Stirling CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

Digital ID will hand authoritarian regimes an unprecedented weapon

Mass warrantless surveillance a risk to every citizen, says human rights advocate, Radha Stirling.

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19 year old Marcus Fakana dies in fatal car accident after regaining his freedom.  Marcus arrived home in England on the 3rd of July and has died on the 3rd of October , 3 months after his release. We are heartbroken to confirm that the young man who tragically lost his life in the Tottenham collision on the 3rd October 2025 was our client, Marcus Fakana. Marcus was only released from prison just three months ago, having endured an ordeal that tested his courage and faith. In the months since his release from Dubai jail, he often spoke of his deep gratitude for the compassion shown to him by the British public. That kindness gave him strength during his most difficult times and inspired him to look forward with renewed hope. “Prison can be deeply damaging to people, and many face post-traumatic stress after their release,”  said Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai  “Marcus lost precious months of his young life to imprisonment, and it is natural to wonder what might have been different had he been free. Yet what defined him was not what he lost, but the courage with which he faced adversity and the gratitude he carried into his freedom.” Radha Stirling added: “I remember speaking with Marcus as he bravely turned himself in to face an unfair prison sentence. He was surprisingly calm, trusting that we would continue to fight for him. Thankfully, we were able to keep that promise and see him walk free. Regaining his freedom brought Marcus joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. He embraced life again with optimism, a deepened commitment to his Christian faith, and excitement for the future. “Marcus’s passing is also a reminder of how precious and irreplaceable life is. Imprisonment should never be imposed unnecessarily, yet too often young people lose weeks, months, or even years that they can never regain. Authorities must remember that these are not just statistics or sentences, they are moments of someone’s only life. If a person dies in prison or shortly after release, the injustice of having taken that time from them becomes even more profound. We must weigh carefully the true cost of depriving someone of freedom, because every day is invaluable and once lost, cannot be returned.” It is devastating that Marcus’s journey has been cut short so soon after he began to rebuild his life. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, his loved ones, and the wider community who mourn his loss. — Detained in Dubai

Marcus Fakana Dies in Fatal Car Accident After Regaining His Freedom

Marcus Fakana Dies in Fatal Car Accident After Regaining His Freedom

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Marcus Fakana, 19, who was jailed in Dubai after having sex with a UK tourist has been killed in a car crash - just months after being set free following a royal pardon A British teenager who was jailed in Dubai  after having sex with a UK tourist has been killed in a car crash - just months after being set free following a royal pardon. Marcus Fakana, 19, died in Tottenham, north London , at around 1am on Friday after a car he was a passenger in failed to stop when being blue-lighted by the Metropolitan Police . Officers say they 'temporarily lost sight of the vehicle' after tailing it for around 60 seconds, before discovering its involvement in a huge smash with another car at The Roundway. Marcus was left seriously injured as a result of the crash and received first aid treatment at the scene, but he died shortly after being rushed to hospital. The driver, a man also aged 19, was arrested after the crash on suspicion of failure to stop and dangerous driving. He remains in police custody. Marcus's death came exactly three months after he was released from prison in the Gulf state, thanks to a pardon from Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He was arrested and sentenced to one year in a maximum-security prison last year over a consensual holiday relationship with another British tourist who was just a few months younger than himself - a fact he was not aware of at the time. The girl was one month away from turning 18, but sex with anyone under the age of 18 is an offence in Dubai. They met when both their families were staying at a luxury hotel. The girl's mother reported Marcus - who was aged 18 at the time - to the UAE authorities after seeing messages between the two when she had returned to the UK.  In a devastating vigil for the young boy, dozens of friends and family gathered at a home were seen sobbing, as many also put their heads down to commemorate their loved one.  His case drew widespread attention and outrage, highlighting the UAE's harsh laws that criminalise personal relationships which critics say disproportionately target foreign nationals.  Radha Stirling, Founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, who helped Marcus in the Gulf state, told the Daily Mail she was ' deeply saddened'  to learn of his death. She said: 'I came to know Marcus as he faced one of the most frightening experiences of his life, and I witnessed his strength and courage throughout.  'He was grateful for the compassion shown to him by the British public, and his experiences gave him a renewed focus on Christianity and prayer . 'Marcus was thankful to have regained his freedom and was looking forward to building a positive future. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends at this difficult time.' She added: ' Marcus spent the majority of this year in a Dubai prison which no doubt caused him long lasting mental anguish. It’s sad that of all of 2025, he was only free for the three months from the 3rd of July until the 3rd of October.  'It wasn’t necessary for him to be in prison at all. He could have been deported instead. David Lammy and the FCDO caused Marcus and his family no end of grief, refusing to effectively help him as the Foreign Minister.  'It’s sad that he had to go through this in what would be the last months of his life.' Raphaella Stirling, Detained in Dubai's Crisis Manager, added: ' Marcus had only been released from prison earlier this year.  'Despite everything he endured, he was grateful for the kindness of the British public, and he embraced his freedom with renewed faith, joy, and hope for the future.' +10 In a post shared on Facebook, one said: 'I fought for you to be released from prison in Dubai, I did my best and this is how it ended. 'My condolences to papa crispin and ya marie.' One heartbroken person close to the family said: 'God give Crispin and Marie strength, the pain is too much. Rip Marcus you left your mummy in pain baby.' Another commented below the post: 'I know some people might say it doesn't matter how he passed away, but all I know is that we all hoped and prayed for him to pull through, and then suddenly he was gone. Please, make it make sense. I'm confused.' 'Too young to die. When I heard that sad news early on tonight. My heart just sung in pain, felt useless. 'Ooh God! I feel for your your dad, mum, your uncles, your aunties, your cousins, your sisters n brother. May your soul rest in perfect peace Marcus,' a third added. His death has come as a shock to many, as one wrote: 'Omg this poor boy went though hell. So sad how long had he been out R.I.P.' His release followed sustained pressure from Detained in Dubai's legal and advocacy teams, as well as public support, behind-the-scenes diplomatic discussions and a royal pardon application. The family confirmed his arrival and expressed immense gratitude for the support received throughout the campaign. When Marcus appealed for a pardon, Ms Stirling said: ' This has been the most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable for Marcus. 'He is barely an adult himself, and never intended to break any law. What happened was legal in the UK and consensual. But now he is facing permanent damage to his mental health and future prospects because of it.' She said Marcus was only able to call his family sporadically for short periods, adding that the isolation had been mentally and emotionally devastating for both him and his loved ones. +10 Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail from the UAE where he faced 12 months in a hellhole jail, the 18-year-old begged: 'Please give me my life back'. Marcus apologised for breaking the law and described his 'devastation' at the year long sentence. He said: 'Today I was sentenced to one year in Dubai prison. My family and I are devastated and in shock. 'I never intended to break the law. It didn't occur to me at the time and for that, I'm sorry. 'I am asking His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum to please forgive me and pardon me. Let me go home. Please give me my life back'. His parents had been urgently appealing to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the British Embassy in Dubai for assistance in advocating for his release. After finally arriving home, Ms Stirling had said Marcus 'is currently recovering'. She added: ' His case has attracted significant public attention due to concerns about the criminalisation of tourists and disproportionate sentencing. 'We believe this case highlights the urgent need for expedited legal processes for foreign nationals and safeguards against unnecessary custodial sentences.' The construction apprentice's nightmare ordeal began when in August after he and a 17-year-old girl, just a month short of her 18th birthday, began a holiday romance in the £210-a-night Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, where their families were both staying. After the girl and her family returned to the UK, her mother reported Marcus to the Dubai authorities after finding birth control pills in her daughter's luggage, according to legal documents seen by the Mail. Initially, Marcus was accused of rape, but was only cleared when police reviewed hotel CCTV footage which showed the girl going into his hotel bedroom at 4am. It is not clear whether the accusation of rape originally came from the girl's mother or was due to a misunderstanding or mistranslation by police officers, but the term 'raped by force' in Arabic appeared on the initial police report. Although never charged with rape, the fact that the girl was 17 put her under Dubai's age of sexual consent and Marcus was convicted of having under-age sex. The Met have asked for any witnesses to the crash Marcus was involved in, or those who may have dashcam footage of the incident, to get in touch with them via 101 quoting CAD 214/03OCT. The force say the Directorate of Professional Standards was informed about the incident, as was the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), in line with standard practice. Original article at MailOnline  by JADA BAS, TRAINEE REPORTER and NICK CRAVEN, SENIOR REPORTER and KAMAL SULTAN, on 09:38, 4 October 2025 Radha Stirling CEO Detained in Dubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org   Tel: +44 207 060 6900 WhatsApp: +44 7752 639948

British teenager who was jailed in Dubai for sex with 17-year-old girl is killed in crash after car failed to stop for police

Marcus Fakana, 19, died in Tottenham, north London, at around 1am on Friday after a car he was a passenger in failed to stop when being blue-lighted by the Metropolitan Police.

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Not allowed to work. Not allowed to leave. All because he accrued debt while being wrongfully detained over a decade ago. John Murphy, 59, a former British soldier and Irish grandfather, was acquitted of false charges in Dubai but remains stranded under a travel ban. Now homeless, starving, and in urgent need of cancer treatment, he's been forced to sleep on public transport and wash in mall toilets. Dubai / London / Dublin – 26 September 2025  Former British soldier and Irish grandfather John Murphy, 59, is stranded, destitute, and in urgent need of medical care in Dubai after being exonerated of false charges that first landed him in jail . Murphy, who served in the British military before building a life in the UAE, was arrested a decade ago over allegations of being offensive to hotel security. He was later acquitted, but during his wrongful detention his landlord sued him for unpaid rent, seized his possessions, and secured a travel ban. That travel ban has never been lifted. For ten years, Murphy has been unable to work, unable to leave, and trapped in an inescapable legal limbo. His situation has now deteriorated to the point of catastrophe. “I haven’t eaten in four days,” Murphy said in a message sent from Dubai. “I’ve been on the streets for three weeks. I try to ride the metro all day to rest, but security chase me away. I wash in mall toilets, I’ve been in the same clothes for weeks, and my health is failing. I need urgent cancer treatment and dental care, but I have nowhere to turn.” Although homelessness is illegal in the UAE, when Murphy attempted to surrender to police, they refused to arrest him. He is now literally surviving on public transport, caught between a rock and a hard place — unable to leave, unable to work, unable to resolve his debts. or click here   "This is outrageous," said Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai . "John was found innocent, yet ten years later he is starving on the streets, denied cancer treatment, food, or shelter. This is the direct result of a system that criminalises debt and traps people in a cycle of poverty and despair. They won’t let him leave, and they won’t even arrest him. He is being left to die in plain sight." Murphy's friend has launched a GoFundMe page and appealed directly to both the British and Irish embassies for help. To date, neither has secured his release. The Trump administration successfully repatriated a number of American citizens from the UAE,"  Stirling added. "It is disappointing that Britain and Ireland have not stepped in to save John Murphy. He is a veteran, a grandfather, and he has already suffered enough. The Irish and British governments must act now."The Trump administration successfully repatriated a number of American citizens from the UAE," Stirling added. "It is disappointing that Britain and Ireland have not stepped in to save John Murphy. He is a veteran, a grandfather, and he has already suffered enough. The Irish and British governments must act now." Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai +44 7 309 114 195

TRAPPED: British Soldier, Homeless in Dubai “I Haven’t Eaten in 4 Days”

Former British soldier and Irish grandfather John Murphy, 59, is stranded, destitute, and in urgent need of medical care in Dubai after being exonerated of false charges that first landed him in jail.

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Limerick man cleared of charges, yet left homeless on Dubai’s streets   Irish/British grandfather John Murphy, 59, from Limerick, is destitute and trapped in Dubai despite being found innocent of the charges that first landed him in prison. With no home, no income, and barred from leaving the UAE, Murphy is now physically failing, in urgent need of medical and dental care, and after being chased away from a bus station where he was sleeping, he is now forced to spend his days riding the metro to survive. Murphy was originally arrested in Abu Dhabi on allegations of being offensive to hotel security staff . He was jailed while awaiting trial but later acquitted. Yet during his wrongful imprisonment, his landlord pursued him for rent arrears that built up while he was behind bars. His possessions were seized, and a travel ban was imposed. Although innocent, Murphy has never been able to rebuild his life. Instead, he has been left in legal limbo for years. Homelessness is illegal in Dubai, but when Murphy tried to surrender himself to police, they refused to take him in. "John is literally trapped between a rock and a hard place,"  said Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai . "He is innocent, yet he cannot leave, cannot work, and cannot even be arrested to resolve his situation. He is now physically failing, suffering from serious medical and dental issues, and abandoned in a foreign country." Murphy has two unresolved civil cases, including one in Abu Dhabi dating back to 2017. He maintains he has evidence the debts are not owed but cannot afford the administrative fees to defend himself. With deep family ties in Limerick and Dublin, where dozens of relatives are waiting to support him, his case is now a humanitarian emergency. While Murphy also holds a UK passport, his Irish identity and strong family roots in Limerick make it vital that Ireland leads in securing his safe return. "Ireland cannot abandon one of its own citizens, especially a grandfather found innocent, to die on the streets of Dubai,"  Stirling added. "We are calling not only on the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin but also on the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi to intervene urgently and secure John’s immediate repatriation before his health collapses." Stirling also praised Ireland’s record in similar situations: “The Irish government has shown leadership in the past year by intervening successfully in cases where citizens were unjustly detained or left in danger abroad. We urge them to extend the same urgency and compassion to John Murphy, whose situation is now desperate.” Churchgoing British grandfather faces three years in 'hellhole' UAE prison Former soldier John Murphy, 52, operations manager for the world's tallest building in the centre of Dubai, said he was shackled and jailed for six weeks in insanitary conditions. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai +44 7 309 114 195

Irish Grandfather’s Fight to Survive on the Streets of Dubai

Although innocent, Murphy has never been able to rebuild his life. Instead, he has been left in legal limbo for years. Homelessness is illegal in Dubai, but when Murphy tried to surrender himself to police, they refused to take him in.

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Credit: Facebook:  Mia O'Brien appeals life sentence. As Mia O’Brien’s Appeal Looms, Radha Stirling of Detained in Dubai Warns of Flawed Evidence and Repeat Failures in Dubai Justice System British law student Mia O’Brien, 23, is preparing to appeal her 25-year sentence in Dubai after being convicted of drug possession in a one day trial held entirely in Arabic. Despite pleading not guilty, Mia was found guilty in proceedings her family and legal advisers have condemned as deeply unfair. Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai , has warned that Mia’s ordeal reflects the same systemic failures in Dubai’s justice system that have repeatedly harmed British nationals. “Dubai police have a history of rushing to secure convictions without the rigorous evidentiary standards we expect in the UK. We’ve seen fabricated confessions, reliance on circumstantial evidence, and a disregard for due process. I would urge the public to withhold judgement.  Mia’s case could be the latest in a long line of miscarriages of justice.” Stirling noted that Mia’s experience is not unique. In 2020, 23-year-old Emirates flight attendant Derrin Crawford was jailed for two months after being caught up in her date’s arrest when police found cannabis in his flat. She tested negative and had no involvement, but was imprisoned nonetheless. In another case, British Army veteran Andy Neal spent more than a year behind bars accused of being part of a drug gang before he was fully exonerated when the evidence collapsed and police were found to be manufacturing the narrative. “Both Derrin and Andy were innocent yet Andy suffered years behind bars because of the UAE’s defective policing and prosecutorial practices,”  Stirling said. “Mia has pleaded not guilty from the start, but the system has already failed her. Unless this appeal is taken seriously, she risks losing decades of her life. Stirling has long highlighted the systemic problems with Dubai policing, including reliance on forced or misrepresented statements taken without legal representation, contaminated or missing evidence in narcotics cases, and a culture of ‘guilt by association’, where foreigners are arrested simply for being present. “The UAE authorities have shown again and again that their investigations cannot be trusted,”  she added.  Stirling concluded that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office should review and expand its travel warnings to reflect the risks posed by police conduct, unreliable evidence, and unfair trials in the UAE, so that British citizens are fully aware of the dangers before travelling. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai +44 7 309 114 195

Mia O’Brien’s Appeal Looms

As Mia O’Brien’s Appeal Looms, Radha Stirling of Detained in Dubai Warns of Flawed Evidence and Repeat Failures in Dubai Justice System

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The UK is mirroring the UAE's draconian cybercrime laws and putting every foreign visitor to England at risk 09 September 2025 London, 9 Sep 2025  – Human rights advocate Radha Stirling  and founder of Detained in Dubai , has issued a stark warning that Britain is sliding into Gulf style authoritarianism, following a surge of arrests over social media posts and online commentary. “When a comedian like Graham Linehan can be arrested at Heathrow Airport for his posts, Britain has crossed a dangerous line,” Stirling said. “And when Lucy Connolly can be sentenced to more than two years in prison for online comments calling for mass deportations, it proves that ordinary citizens are just as vulnerable. The UK is punishing speech itself, not just conduct. For years I have criticised the UAE for its vague cybercrime laws that criminalise dissent and intimidate journalists. Now the UK is mirroring those same tactics, effectively acting like the eighth Emirate”. “For nearly two decades, I have warned about the dangers of vague, overreaching cybercrime laws in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region, laws that criminalise criticism, silence dissent, and intimidate journalists into silence. These laws were rightly condemned by the UK and the international community as tools of authoritarian control. “It is therefore chilling to now witness the United Kingdom, a country that has long prided itself as a beacon of free speech and democratic values, descending into the same pattern of repression. The recent wave of arrests over social media posts, with police detaining thousands each year including journalists, commentators, and ordinary citizens, mirrors precisely the authoritarian tactics I have fought against in the Middle East. “Britain is criminalising speech on the vaguest of grounds, what is deemed ‘offensive’, ‘grossly indecent’, or politically inconvenient. This weaponisation of law has turned public discourse into a minefield, where journalists fear publishing, comedians fear performing, and members of the public fear even pressing ‘share’. The chilling effect is unmistakable and devastating for democracy. “Much of this crisis stems from political leadership. I warned years ago of the danger of electing a prosecutor as Prime Minister. A prosecutor does not naturally champion liberty, they specialise in convictions. Keir Starmer’s record, particularly his pursuit of Julian Assange , should have been a clear warning sign. The machinery of prosecution, once turned against free speech and dissent, corrodes democracy itself. "Free speech is not a luxury, it is the foundation of an open society. To see Britain importing the worst habits of authoritarian regimes is a betrayal of its people and its history . “What is more, this sets a dangerous precedent for the world. If Britain can prosecute foreigners for posts made outside its borders, then Americans, Europeans, Australians and others could find themselves arrested when they land at Heathrow for tweets or Facebook posts they published years ago in their own countries. This practice essentially normalises the extraterritorial application of national laws, meaning every traveller risks prosecution abroad for online expression made legally in another jurisdiction. As soon as we accept that principle as a precedent, we put every citizen on the planet in jeopardy.” Stirling concluded: “I call upon the British government to urgently review these dangerous laws, to cease the persecution of individuals for online expression, and to reaffirm in action, not empty rhetoric, its commitment to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to dissent. Anything less signals to the world that Britain has abandoned the very values it once stood to defend. “But this is not only the responsibility of government. Citizens of the United Kingdom must recognise what is at stake. It is their voices, their rights, and their future that are being curtailed. If the British public does not push back against these authoritarian measures, the slide into censorship will only accelerate. History shows that once freedoms are surrendered, they are rarely returned. The people of Britain must demand better, for themselves and for the generations to come.” Radha Stirling CEO and founder of Detained in Dubai   Due Process International   Tel: +44 207 060 6900   WhatsApp: +44 7752 639948

UK Becomes the Eighth Emirate: Radha Stirling Warns of Alarming Free Speech Crackdown

The UK is mirroring the UAE's draconian cybercrime laws and putting every foreign visitor to England at risk

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UAE Employment disputes huge risk to expat workers who have been left homeless, criminalised or listed on Interpol just so an employer can save on EOS payments. One of the most common triggers of wrongful criminal allegations in the UAE is not fraud, theft, or embezzlement, it is simply an employment dispute. Foreign professionals who work hard for years in Dubai often find that when it comes time to collect their end-of-service benefit, suddenly accusations appear, designed to deny them what they are legally owed. This was the case for one British national who spent years overseeing major projects in Dubai. His role was purely technical: ensuring that projects were delivered on time and to the required standard. He was not responsible for contracts, payments, or finances. But when he resigned and became entitled to a substantial end-of-service payment, he was blindsided with allegations of “abuse of power” and threats of criminal cases. The accusations centred on subcontractor invoices, yet he had never controlled budgets, signed contracts, or handled company money. All payments went directly from the finance department to subcontractors. His only responsibility was to confirm whether the work had been completed. Still, he was suddenly questioned about missing paperwork, duplicate invoices, and supposed financial impropriety. The reality was simpler: his employer did not want to pay him his end-of-service entitlement. Instead of resolving the matter through the proper civil or employment channels, they attempted to reframe it as a criminal case. Local lawyers even advised him to leave the country for his own safety while they “handled” the issue, but no evidence of wrongdoing was ever produced. Years later, there remains a risk that the UAE could escalate this baseless employment dispute into an INTERPOL Red Notice request. Such a move would be profoundly abusive: INTERPOL’s own rules forbid its systems from being used to enforce civil or contractual claims. Yet countless professionals remain trapped, unable to travel internationally for fear of wrongful arrest. “We continue to see cases where employment disputes are criminalised in order to pressure or punish expatriates,”  said Interpol expert Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai  and Due Process International.   “End-of-service benefits are a frequent flashpoint. Instead of paying what is owed, companies resort to false allegations. It’s an abuse of the UAE’s criminal justice system, and when escalated to INTERPOL, it becomes an abuse of international law.” For this British national, the impact has been devastating. He has avoided all international travel since leaving the UAE, unable to visit family abroad or even take a holiday with his wife and children. His professional reputation remains overshadowed by the risk of a Red Notice, despite the absence of any evidence of criminality. This case is just one example of how the misuse of criminal complaints in Dubai, particularly around end-of-service leave, can have lasting consequences far beyond the UAE’s borders. It underscores why prevention applications with INTERPOL are so vital for professionals who have faced such disputes. “We are seeing more and more professionals taking preventative action before a Red Notice is issued,” said Radha Stirling . “By filing confidential applications in advance, we can ensure that INTERPOL is alerted to the abusive nature of the case and block it from ever appearing on the system. Prevention affords clients peace of mind and protects their freedom of movement.” If you believe you could be at risk of an INTERPOL Notice arising from an employment or financial dispute in the UAE, it is vital to act early. Confidential prevention requests are often the difference between safe international travel and being wrongfully detained abroad. Radha Stirling CEO and founder of Detained in Dubai , IPEX Reform , Interpol Red Notice   and Due Process International    +44 7 309 114 195

Employment Disputes in Dubai Turn into INTERPOL Risks

Employment Disputes in Dubai Turn into INTERPOL Risks

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Contact Detained in Dubai for expert advice, Interpol Red Notice prevention , debt negotiation or emergency assistance if still in the UAE In the late 2000s, Dubai was booming with property investment. Thousands of foreign buyers were encouraged to invest in off plan developments with promises of rapid returns. Mortgages were readily offered, often secured not by assets, but by blank post dated cheques handed over as part of the financing process. When the 2008 global financial crisis hit, the market collapsed. Developers such as Nakheel revised terms or left buyers unable to recover deposits. Many investors were left with no property, no recourse, and huge debts they could not possibly service. Mortgage financiers, including government linked banks, resorted to presenting the security cheques when payments stopped. Under UAE law, a bounced cheque was and still technically is a criminal offence, even when arising from a civil or contractual dispute. One investor, unable to keep up with payments during the financial crisis, saw his 400,000 AED deposit disappear when the bank moved to cash his security cheques. What began as a default quickly escalated into litigation and the threat of criminal prosecution. More than a decade later, he was still facing a criminal complaint for AED 1.75 million. Although recent reforms were promoted as removing criminal liability for bounced cheques, in practice these changes do not apply retrospectively. Old cases remain active, allowing prosecutors and creditors to pursue debtors through the criminal system, with the added danger of INTERPOL notices long after the original dispute. “We have submitted his case to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files to ensure that any abusive attempt to circulate a Red Notice is blocked,” said Interpol and extradition expert, Radha Stirling . This is not an isolated situation. Countless foreign nationals who defaulted on mortgages during the crash still face active or threatened legal actions in the UAE. Some have been surprised to find INTERPOL Red Notices issued years later, impacting their ability to travel, work internationally, or even open a bank account. Why Prevention Matters Interpol expert Radha Stirling, the founder of IPEX Reform and Detained in Dubai , has long warned of the dangers of INTERPOL abuse. Creditors in the UAE frequently weaponise the system to exert pressure, knowing that even the threat of a Red Notice can ruin someone’s livelihood. To counter this, her team works with at-risk individuals to file preventive requests with the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files. This proactive step means that if the UAE or another jurisdiction attempts to issue a Red Notice, INTERPOL has already been alerted to the abusive nature of the case and is far more likely to block or delete it swiftly. Advice for Those at Risk Do not assume the passage of time will protect you. Even debts and bounced cheque cases from the financial crisis era remain active. Law reforms in the UAE do not always mean practical relief. Despite announcements, old debts are still pursued, and creditors are still using criminal channels. Be proactive, not reactive. Waiting until you are detained at a border crossing or denied a visa is too late. Seek expert advice. INTERPOL is a powerful tool, but it is also vulnerable to misuse. Having professional guidance can prevent devastating consequences. Taking Control of Your Future The reality is stark. People who defaulted on mortgages during the global crash are still facing legal and reputational risks today. The best protection is prevention. Preventive action gives at risk individuals the ability to travel, work, and live without fear of unexpected arrests or humiliating detentions. If you are unsure whether you may be at risk, or you know of debts, bounced cheques, or unresolved disputes in the UAE, now is the time to act. Being proactive could mean the difference between freedom and years of legal battles. Confidential advice?   info@detainedindubai.org Contact Detained in Dubai for expert advice, Interpol Red Notice prevention, debt negotiation or emergency assistance if still in the UAE Radha Stirling CEO and founder of Detained in Dubai , IPEX Reform , Interpol Red Notice and Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

Still Haunted by Old Dubai Debts - Why Proactive INTERPOL Prevention is Essential

Still Haunted by Old Dubai Debts - Why Proactive INTERPOL Prevention is Essential

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Warning issued to foreigners seeking Golden Visa Sold a UAE Golden Visa that was never delivered, then turned into a criminal when he complained about it. When a family contacted us with the words “This is a sincere cry for help… we are emotionally and mentally drained” , we knew the case was urgent. Their nightmare began when the partner applied for a UAE Golden Visa through a man who appeared trustworthy and confident. He promised a smooth process and took the money with ease. But it was all a lie. There was no visa, no process, and no accountability. When they demanded the funds back, he shrugged them off. In good faith, the victim filed a civil case in an attempt to recover what was stolen, expecting the law to protect him. Instead, he was slapped with a travel ban, his bank accounts frozen, and worst of all, a criminal judgment of one year imprisonment, a million-dirham fine, and deportation. All for trying to get his own money back. To make matters worse, two lawyers they turned to for help betrayed them: one vanished when needed most, and the other claimed fees without doing any work. What started as a fraud became a spiralling abuse of process, and the system they trusted turned against them. When they contacted us, they were out of money, out of options, and terrified of what would come next. Within just two weeks of contacting Detained in Dubai, he was safely back home. Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai , commented: "We're seeing a surge in scams in the UAE, many of them perpetrated by individuals who seem to act with impunity. What’s particularly alarming is the number of Westerners setting up shop and selling immigration or legal services without any qualifications or licence to practise law. They prey on fellow expats who assume they’re legitimate. The UAE needs to crack down on these operators but too often it’s the victims who end up being punished instead." This case is yet another example of how the UAE’s justice system often punishes victims, not perpetrators. Civil disputes, scams, or visa issues frequently escalate into criminal penalties, travel bans, and even imprisonment. No one should be imprisoned or deported for trying to recover money they were scammed out of. At Detained in Dubai , we have seen this story play out far too often but we also know there is always  a solution. If you or someone you know is trapped in a similar situation, contact us  immediately. Early intervention can make all the difference. Detained in Dubai - Contact Page   Detained in Dubai - Contact Page   Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai +44 7 309 114 195

Golden Visa Nightmare - Fraud warning issued.

We're seeing a surge in scams in the UAE - many run by Westerners pretending to be legal experts. They take people's money with no qualifications, and the victims are the ones punished. It's out of control.
Radha Stirling

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Lee Murray Family Pleads for UK Intervention as Letters Sent to David Lammy, Shabana Mahmood and Hamish Falconer Ahead of Morocco’s Mass Clemency Announcement. Human rights groups are calling on the UK government to urgently intervene on behalf of British citizen Lee Murray, who has now spent 19 years in a Moroccan prison, amid reports that over 20,000 prisoners may be pardoned this Wednesday as part of the annual Throne Day celebrations. Lee Murray, a former MMA fighter, was convicted in Morocco of a crime committed on UK soil after the UK was unable to extradite him. His prosecution was widely believed to have been encouraged by UK diplomatic pressure, a highly unusual move that raises serious concerns about the UK’s use of foreign jurisdictions as proxies for domestic prosecutions. Despite nearly two decades behind bars and multiple mass pardons over the years, Lee has never received a single day of clemency, even though most of his co-defendants have already been released. His family believes this may be due to a standing position by the UK government, or Morocco awaiting an explicit diplomatic signal from London. Lee’s wife, Nicola Murray, said: “Lee is suffering serious health problems after 19 years in harsh conditions. He’s never even held his granddaughter. Other prisoners with far more serious convictions have been pardoned. Why is Lee always left out? We are begging the UK government to help us bring him home before it’s too late.” On a call from prison, Lee Murray reflected on two decades in jail: “I’ve watched my children grow up in photos. I’ve never even held my granddaughter. I’ve served my time. I just want a chance to come home and rebuild my life.” Due Process International and Detained in Dubai are supporting the Murray family in their calls to the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Special MENA Representative Hamish Falconer, urging them to issue a formal statement in support of clemency and to deliver a diplomatic note to Moroccan authorities without delay. “We’ve seen convicted terrorists and killers released early from UK prisons”, Radha Stirling said in a statement, “and Morocco has pardoned offenders of all kinds, yet Lee Murray remains imprisoned after 19 years. The UK effectively outsourced his prosecution, and now it must step up and support clemency. The UK was highly conflicted when it pushed a foreign country to prosecute its own citizen for ordinary crimes committed on UK soil. The country has a duty to its own citizens and we are calling on the British government to support Lee’s clemency request. He deserves a chance to rebuild his life”. — Radha Stirling, Founder of Due Process International and Detained in Dubai 🙏 Public Call to Action Members of the public can help by contacting the UK officials below and urging them to support clemency for Lee: David Lammy MP  (Foreign Secretary): 📧 david.lammy.mp@parliament.uk Shabana Mahmood MP  (Justice Secretary): 📧 shabana.mahmood.mp@parliament.uk Hamish Falconer MP  (Special Representative for the MENA region): 📧 hamish.falconer.mp@parliament.uk 📢 Suggested message : “Please support clemency for Lee Murray, a British citizen imprisoned for 19 years in Morocco. With a mass pardon expected this week, Lee must not be left behind again. His health is failing. A UK diplomatic statement could save his life.” You can also: Share on social media using the hashtag #FreeLeeMurray Tag MPs, journalists, and rights groups Sign and share the petition Radha Stirling CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

Urgent UK intervention needed for Lee Murray clemency appeal

British citizen Lee Murray, has now spent 19 years in a Moroccan prison

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