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When Qatar insisted on hosting the World Cup, people's love of soccer again surpassed their disapproval of dictators, corruption, and human rights abuses Three years ago the UAE and Saudi Arabia, along with a few of their allies, were boycotting Qatar over Doha’s alleged ties to financing terrorism, and its friendly relationship with Iran. At that time, the Emiratis and the Saudis suggested that the boycott could potentially be lifted if Qatar forfeited hosting the World Cup this year. Fast forward to November 2022, and the Saudis and Emiratis are among the biggest contingents of football fans traveling to Qatar for the event. UAE hotels have been expected to hit full capacity during the World Cup, as tourist bookings spill over from Doha. It turns out that refusing to forfeit hosting the event was likely what broke the back of the boycott. By January 2021, the Gulf States appeared to have fully comprehended the power of sports to mute political criticism. After all, it muted theirs. Saudi Arabia and the UAE learned first-hand that people’s love of sports generally surpasses their disapproval of dictatorship, corruption, and human rights abuse. Perhaps more importantly, they learned that the money associated with sporting events, and the financial knock-on effects of hosting them, is an image purifier. The Gulf has realized that credibility is a purchasable commodity; nothing confirms this more than Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup. Arguably, the UAE was the first of the Gulf States to explore the cleansing properties of sports, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, making regular appearances at the English Derby, and establishing himself as British horseracing’s greatest benefactor. Sheikh Mohammed has poured billions of dollars into the sport, which employs nearly 20,000 people in the UK. In doing so, he has bought himself respectability among British elite society, where any discussion of the ruler’s controversies would have been simply impolite and awkward. Abu Dhabi noticed the laundering effects of sports too, and began hosting UFC fights in 2010. Since then, the relationship with the MMA organization has blossomed and Abu Dhabi has cemented its position as a hub for the billion dollar sport. Sports has proven to be a vehicle for soft power, and the Gulf is deploying that power vigorously. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund recently purchased Newcastle United football club, the UAE owns Manchester City, and the Saudis also own Sheffield United. The UAE’s Etihad and Qatar Airways have major deals with European football clubs worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Dubai is even planning to open a Real Madrid theme park. It should be understood that from a purely financial perspective, Gulf States’ investments in sporting events are, by definition, catastrophically unprofitable. Qatar has spent roughly $200 billion more than they will earn from the World Cup, but what countries like Qatar and the UAE are actually buying, of course, is immunity — and that is priceless. Originally published as a featured post, "Sportswashing", on 23rd November 2022 at The Times of Israel Blogs by Radha Stirling Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network: https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts:} https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Live news and updates on Telegram: https://t.me/stirlingnews mail: info@detainedindubai.org / WhatsApp/phone +447309114195

Sportwashing: Sports as a vehicle for soft power by Radha Stirling for the Times of Israel

When Qatar insisted on hosting the World Cup, people's love of soccer again surpassed their disapproval of dictators, corruption, and...

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Coroner tells FCDO to increase Dubai travel warnings. The inquest into the death of Lee Bradley Brown heard that the number of new cases of Britons reporting torture or mistreatment in Dubai to the Foreign Office had surged from 3 per cent of the global total to 13 per cent in just four years, but “that is only the tip of the iceberg” , explained Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai who has advocated for victims since 2008. ​ The Coroner produced a prevention of future deaths report, released on Tuesday. London coroner Nadia Persaud raised fears future deaths could occur because the FCDO does not have an emergency access protocol to reach detained Britons in similar situations. In the report issued to the Foreign Office, Ms Persaud said: “In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.” The report also said current travel advice was “insufficient” because it does not have enough information about being arrested in Dubai and the consequences. Stirling was pleased the coroner reflected “what the High Court of England has said and what has already been raised in Parliament on numerous occasions. In a statement published by Detained in Dubai, Mr Brown’s mother Doris said: “I cannot imagine how awful his last moments must have been. It makes me incredibly sad and angry. “I can’t believe that he died at the hands of savage monsters when he had done nothing wrong. They made up lies about him and took my life too. He was my life.” The group’s CEO, Radha Stirling , testified at the inquest and told Ms Persaud that “numerous Brits had since reported human rights violations and torture” and that British courts decline extradition requests because of the “real risk of human rights violations and torture”. The FCO is broken The first thing most foreign nationals do when they experience problems abroad is to contact their embassies. It is fair to say that people expect their countries’ diplomats to swoop in and protect them with all the weight of their governments behind them . Due Process Newsroom & Media Centre Press Release: Parliamentary Debate - Should the FCDO increase travel warnings to British citizens heading to Dubai Due Process Newsroom & Media Centre She raised the case of Albert Douglas, a 60-year-old Londoner who claims his head was “kicked around like a football” while in custody at Al Ain Prison. “The grandfather has been beaten and tortured by prison guards and yet remains in prison with little FCDO help”, said Albert’s son Wolfgang Douglas who also attended the inquest. FCDO failure in Albert Douglas case Grandfather Albert Douglas has been held as an economic hostage in Dubai. He has been beaten, tortured and denied his medication, but the FCDO says “torture in itself is not grounds for a clemency application”. Due Process Newsroom & Media Centre “The UAE authorities do not appear to have learned any lessons,” said Ms Stirling. “There have been no consequences for the Emirates and we continue to receive reports of abuse, violence and torture”. “We are pleased that after a decade of lobbying for an increase to travel warnings, the FCDO can not turn a blind eye anymore”. FCDO Responsibilities: Are Conflicting Goals Diminishing Efficacy? The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) with its 14,000 staff is tasked with promoting British interests abroad but the government department’s goals are often conflicting in nature Due Process Newsroom & Media Centre Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network: https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts:} https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Live news and updates on Telegram: https://t.me/stirlingnews mail: info@detainedindubai.org / WhatsApp/phone +447309114195

Foreign Office told “Dubai travel warnings insufficient”

Coroner tells FCDO to increase Dubai travel warnings. The inquest into the death of Lee Bradley Brown heard that the number of new cases...

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More than 10,000 religious Jews from Israel and around the world are expected to arrive in Doha to attend the World Cup after having been assured by Qatari authorities that kosher food and places of worship would be available to them; however, Qatar has now reneged on these assurances at the last minute, completely banning Jewish religious services in the country and prohibiting the sale of kosher food. “ This is a startling reversal by Qatar ,” said Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Doha , “ Imposing a ban on religious observances and accommodations almost immediately after having guaranteed these rights to Jewish football fans – fans who were unlikely to have purchased tickets to the World Cup, paid airfare, and booked hotels without such guarantees; demonstrates a remarkable level of intolerance and religious prejudice, to say nothing of outright deceit. ” The first direct flight to Qatar from Israel departed from Tel Aviv on Sunday in what has been hailed as an historic agreement between the two countries, which have not had economic or diplomatic in a decade. “ Religious Israelis boarded that flight believing that Qatar would welcome them and respect their right to practice their faith ,” Stirling said, “ Only to land in Doha and discover that Qatar has gone back on their word. It is a very hostile and bigoted move. While the Muslim religion allows its followers to eat kosher food, religiously observant Jews cannot substitute halal food for kosher food -- what exactly do Qatari officials expect Jewish visitors to eat? “We have been hearing Qatari officials tout the World Cup as an opportunity for people to come together, united by their love for the game; they said they want the world to see a positive image of their country, while asking visitors to respect Qatari cultural and religious values; but it seems every day they are imposing new restrictions and prohibitions that only confirm the world’s negative impressions about the Gulf. They have banned the sale of alcohol around the World Cup stadiums after saying it would be allowed; they say members of the LGBTQ community are welcome only as long as they conceal their sexuality; they have now banned Jews from practicing their religion, and they have even flown in a controversial Muslim preacher, wanted for hate crimes and terrorism financing, to evangelise to soccer fans in an attempt to convert them to Islam. Qatar is, in fact, fulfilling the stereotype of Muslim states as fanatical, untrustworthy, rigid, and intolerant, at the very event they purportedly wanted to showcase their country as the opposite. “Israel was supposed to be providing consular services for their citizens visiting Doha during the World Cup, which would also constitute a significant step towards re-establishing diplomatic relations; but frankly Qatar’s aggressive anti-Jewish discrimination and their habitual promise-breaking raises doubts that consular services will be allowed after all. It seems Qatar has chosen to use the World Cup as an opportunity to thumb its nose not only at Israel and the Jewish community globally, but at the very values of modernity, multiculturalism, and inclusion that the world’s biggest sporting event is meant to promote.” Qatar won't allow any cooked Kosher food and public Jewish prayer - The Jerusalem Post (jpost.com) - (photo credit: REUTERS/FABRIZIO BENSCH) Radha Stirling, at The Blogs The Marketplace of Ideas at The Times of Israel Detained in Dubai - by Radha Stirling - The Jerusalem Report Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network: https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts:} https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Live news and updates on Telegram: https://t.me/stirlingnews mail: info@detainedindubai.org / WhatsApp/phone +447309114195

Qatar bans Jewish religious observance at World Cup

More than 10,000 religious Jews from Israel and around the world are expected to arrive in Doha to attend the World Cup after having been...

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Brian was welcomed home this morning at Edinburgh’s airport in an emotional reunion with his loving family and friends. He was met by his mother, Meta; his wife, Kimberly; daughters Heidi and Lexi; and his brothers John and Lee at Edinburgh after returning to Scotland on a flight from Istanbul. Brian told reporters “I just didn’t think this time was coming anytime soon.” “I’m now back where I belong with my family and my friends. “It’s just the emotions. I didn’t think I was going to be here anytime soon.” He thanked all those who had supported him and worked to get him freed, including Interpol and extradition crisis manager Radha Stirling , and Douglas Chapman, the MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, who was also at the airport to greet him. “If it wasn’t for the support from everybody back home, my family and my friends, Douglas Chapman, Radha Stirling, I would still have been there,” Mr Glendinning said. “To be honest, I think I would have been on my way to Qatar and it wouldn’t have been for the World Cup. “It’s just time to get home and get to the barbers.” Stirling added “This is the moment we have been working towards the past five weeks and we’re incredibly relieved to see him back on UK soil. “Brian is going to take some time to rest and recuperate with his family before telling the world about the horrific experience he was forced to endure at the hands of Qatar, a country who has spent a fortune portraying itself as a tolerant society. “Once Brian has rested, we intend to push for British safeguards and to hold Qatar to account for the repeated abuse of our citizens”. World Cup visitors are urged to download " emergency help app " due to the volatility of Qatar law enforcement: Legal experts launch new App for emergency help at World Cup Due Process Newsroom & Media Centre Detained in Dubai launches new App for emergency help at World Cup iTunes and Google Play . Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network: https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts: https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Live news and updates on Telegram: https://t.me/stirlingnews mail: info@detainedindubai.org / WhatsApp/phone +447309114195

Brian Glendinning’s emotional reunion with family at Edinburgh Airport

Brian was welcomed home this morning at Edinburgh’s airport in an emotional reunion with his loving family and friends. He was met by his...

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Storms in Iraq have prevented Brian Glendinning from returning to Scotland today as scheduled. “I spoke with Brian last night just before he went to the airport. He was excited to be coming and keen to discuss his shocking experience.” He told Stirling, “Hope you're well and happy belated birthday to you I liked the personal note regarding my release on your birthday 🙌 “I just wanted to drop you a short message to thank you so so much for all your support and efforts you put into getting me the result I needed FREEDOM!! “Without you I am certain of it that I would have been going to Qatar and it wasn’t to watch the World Cup that’s for sure. I really look forward to speaking with you when I am home and this nightmare is over with”. Brian was taken to Baghdad’s airport but his flight was cancelled due to ‘weather conditions’. As he cleared today for his impending flight, he was taken by authorities for “questioning” for approximately an hour. “You can imagine what he must have gone through at that moment” Stirling commented. “His family are frustrated and disappointed that he won’t be arriving today and Brian will be exhausted on his return. The flights are problematic for the family in that most of them layover in Qatar or the UAE and Brian does not want to go to a Gulf country in case he is re-arrested. “We will update the media and the public as to the details of his arrival as we know. It is expected to be tomorrow morning. His family, friends and potentially, his MP, Douglas Chapman will be there to meet him”. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network: https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts:} https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Live news and updates on Telegram: https://t.me/stirlingnews mail: info@detainedindubai.org / WhatsApp/phone +447309114195

Brian Glendinning flight delayed

Storms in Iraq have prevented Brian Glendinning from returning to Scotland today as scheduled. “I spoke with Brian last night just before...

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After two months in Iraqi jail, the Scottish construction engineer is due to arrive at Edinburgh airport tomorrow. He will be greeted by family and friends after the traumatic ordeal. “Brian will be flying out from Iraq tonight. He is relieved and excited to be coming home and will be met at the airport in an emotional reunion”, announced crisis manager Radha Stirling who has been assisting the family. “After intense diplomatic efforts, Brian will make it home before the World Cup but this is hardly a victory when this should never have happened. He was wrongfully detained on the basis of a Qatar National Bank issued Interpol Red Notice which violated Interpol’s charter. The excruciating resulting trauma has not been compensated. Qatar has issued no apology and nor have they been penalised by Interpol. “In fact, Qatar has been rewarded for abusing Interpol’s Red Notice system. The British government can do more to prevent the wrongful arrest of citizens abroad. I’ve been working with Kenny MacAskill, MP whose constituent, Conor Howard , was also subject to wrongful arrest abroad. Kenny has put forward a Parliamentary Question on the matter, asking whether the UK government would warn citizens who are listed on Interpol by notoriously abusive states so that they may apply for their names to be deleted before travel. The government responded that they “won’t get involved” but it is arguably a breach of their duty of care not to, when these injustices have serious consequences that courts have ruled are a violation of their human rights. “The former justice minister, Mr MacAskill and I intend to pursue more robust protections for British citizens. We can no longer turn a blind eye to situations like this that could be easily prevented. “Mr Glendinning will join our class action against Interpol once he has rested and recovered”. PRESS: Please direct media enquiries to radha@radhastirling.com or via WhatsApp +447309114195. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network: https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts:} https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Live news and updates on Telegram: https://t.me/stirlingnews mail: info@detainedindubai.org / WhatsApp/phone +447309114195

Brian Glendinning to arrive in Edinburgh tomorrow

After two months in Iraqi jail, the Scottish construction engineer is due to arrive at Edinburgh airport tomorrow. He will be greeted by...

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Scottish construction engineer Brian Glendinning was released from an Iraqi jail yesterday. He’s currently waiting in a secure Baghdad hotel for his exit visa before booking a flight to Scotland. Due Process International founder Radha Stirling , who represents the Glendinnings said today, “Brian and his family are relieved and elated that he has finally been released. This was the day they’d all been dreaming of and they finally got the call they longed for. However, his detention represents an egregious violation of his human rights, legal and Interpol abuse. He will take some time to recover emotionally, physically and financially and his freedom alone is not enough to compensate for those violations, nor to prevent it happening again”. What went wrong? “Brian took out a loan from Qatar National Bank and had been making regular substantial payments. When he fell behind the bank took it upon themselves to issue an Interpol Red Notice even though this is against Interpol’s charter. Debt is not a crime under Interpol’s remit so Qatar miscategorises such cases as ‘fraud’ to get them listed. Interpol simply hopes and prays that countries like Qatar will respect the rules but they have no checks and balances and rely on member states to be honest. There is no penalty, fine or punishment against countries who regularly abuse the system, even though this is clearly a violation of UN human rights principles.” How often does this happen? “Interpol abuse by authoritarian states is common. Interpol are aware but refuse to sanction countries for their violations and refuse to compensate victims. Middle Eastern banks misuse Interpol as an international debt collection service and in doing so, have caused the unfair and lengthy detentions of numerous customers who have fallen behind in payments. The banks will even artificially inflate the amount to meet Interol’s minimum criteria of 15,000 Euros. A number of British nationals have been detained abroad and subjected to lengthy and costly extradition proceedings. Robert Urwin was held for a year in Ukraine, Alan Stevenson for months in Prague. We’ve seen a young flight attendant circled by Italian special forces in Italy, others held in Mallorca and Tenerife and a British ex policeman pulled from his car in Cornwall. None of these Interpol Red Notices were legitimate and we were able to have them deleted, but only after the damage had been done.” What did it take to get Brian out of jail? “Behind the scenes, an Iraqi lawyer was appointed to represent Brian and to liaise with us and his family, but hiring a lawyer is almost always insufficient to achieve a resolution in these cases. “We worked with Douglas Chapman, MP as soon as we took on the case, who in turn met with Qatar’s Ambassador in London and wrote a number of letters to members of the British government and foreign office. “We brought the case to the international media and the Glendinnings created a GoFundMe to help with mounting legal expenses. Following the media spotlight and public outcry, an anonymous donor offered to help with the QNB debt so we immediately raised our contacts at the bank, negotiated a settlement and pushed the bank to expedite the criminal case release. “We worked with the British Ambassador to Qatar and consular representatives to encourage Qatar to communicate the withdrawal of the extradition request with Iraq, furnishing them with the QNB case cancellation stamped by local police. The lawyer, Tahseen, presented the stamped document to the Judge who in turn contacted Qatar who confirmed they would withdraw their request. “Without this kind of intervention, Brian would easily have been jailed for months [or years] and would likely have been extradited to Qatar where he would have served a two year sentence”. How can this be stopped? “There are several recurring issues here that need to be addressed. Firstly, we are calling on the British government to actively inform citizens who have been listed on Interpol by an authoritarian state for financial crimes. This would give people the opportunity to apply for the Red Notice to be deleted before travelling and would prevent numerous unfair detentions and human rights violations. “Secondly, member states of Interpol could take steps to check at the time of arrest if the matter is in relation to consumer debt. If it is, the subject should be released without processing it as a serious extradition request. “Finally, member states who abuse Interpol’s databases should be sanctioned and victims compensated. This is something we are pursuing through the courts which will hopefully go a long way to preventing future arrests”. When will Brian be home? “We are hoping Brian will be reunited with his family tomorrow or Wednesday, but this is dependent on obtaining his Iraq exit visa and a suitable flight. There is still concern that he remains listed on the Interpol Red Notice system and could potentially be re-arrested at any hub en route to Scotland. We won’t feel entirely out of the woods until he has touched down in the UK. Press Queries We will keep media houses updated and welcome queries via email radha@radhastirling.com or WhatsApp/phone +447309114195. Special Thanks “We are forever grateful to all those who have supported Brian; The public, the media, Douglas Chapman, MP, lawyer Tahseen Alchaabawi, Ambassador Wilks and all those who helped behind the scenes. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network: https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts:} https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Live news and updates on Telegram: https://t.me/stirlingnews mail: info@detainedindubai.org

Brian Glendinning awaits exit visa from Iraq

Scottish construction engineer Brian Glendinning was released from an Iraqi jail yesterday. He’s currently waiting in a secure Baghdad...

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“I am thrilled to announce that British construction engineer Brian Glendinning has been released from Baghdad jail today”, said IPEX Reform founder Radha Stirling . “Brian’s lawyer Tahseen Alchaabawi gave us the good news this morning. It was an emotional moment for his family and I couldn’t be happier for the Glendinnings. “Brian has been collected by embassy staff and taken to a secure hotel where he will stay tonight. His family are arranging flights and hope he could be home as soon as tomorrow night or Wednesday. “Qatar has not confirmed that they have removed the Interpol Red Notice so there is an element of risk that Brian could be re-arrested en route to Scotland. This would be disastrous for Qatar and for Interpol. “I will be taking a full statement from Brian when he returns to Scotland for use in a class action against Interpol for its consistent and repetitive abuse of power. “Iraq was furnished with evidence from Qatar National Bank last week to prove the extradition was over bank debt. Consumer debt does not meet the criteria for extradition, but it was highly likely Iraq would have succumbed to pressure from Qatar and handed him over anyway. “Brian is free due to a combination of lobbying and media efforts, negotiating and settling the debt with QNB and strong diplomatic representations. We are proud to have successfully resolved another case of Interpol abuse. On a personal note, I will now always remember my birthday as the day Brian was freed. This was the best present I could have hoped for”. John Glendinning told Stirling “Brian’s beard has grown. There was only a singly communal shaver in the jail and he wasn’t going to use that. He’s in the hotel. I’ve seen a photo of him with a beer and I’m so happy he's free. It was really emotional for the family. Even our father teared up and he never cries. Kimberly, the children, they can breathe again. Now it’s just hours until they are together.” Stirling added “we are all extremely grateful to all of those who rallied together to support Brian. Hundreds of people donated to his GoFundMe to help with legal bills and attended a demonstration outside Parliament. Douglas Chapman, MP has made every effort to pressure the UK government to use diplomatic channels to free Brian and we thank him and members of the British government and embassy for their assistance.” Media enquiries: Please direct all media enquiries and interview requests to radha@radhastirling.com - Brian will talk to media once he has rested and recovered with his family. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network: https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts: https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Live news and updates on Telegram: https://t.me/stirlingnews mail: info@detainedindubai.org

Brian Glendinning FREED from Iraq jail

“I am thrilled to announce that British construction engineer Brian Glendinning has been released from Baghdad jail today”, said IPEX...

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After two months in Baghdad jail, British father of three pleads for Rishi Sunak to help get him home. The construction engineer has been held over an Interpol Red Notice issued by Qatar National Bank (QNB). QNB has since issued a clearance note stamped by Qatar authorities but Qatar has not communicated this to Iraqi authorities. “We have done everything we can to sort out this mess”, says Brian Glendinning from a noisy prison cell. “The bank has cleared me and no longer wants me extradited but authorities are not communicating. This has been the most traumatic experience of my entire life. My health is failing and I’m losing my mind. I can’t go on like this. I am begging Rishi Sunak and James Cleverly to just get the countries to communicate. It’s just bureaucracy now but this is my life, my every moment is painful. I’m struggling to survive and I’m worried for my life every moment I'm here. The conditions here are hard. I’m not in a minimum security prison with white collar criminals. This is Iraq and the only reason I took a job here was to provide for my family and repay Qatar bank. “It’s not just hard for me. It’s my whole family, we are in tears every day. Please please help us”, begged Brian in an emotional call. Douglas Chapman, MP met with Qatar’s Ambassador this week who advised he would raise the issue with the Qatari government but Brian’s brother John says “we were told the British government would help push this through to the final stages but now we’ve been told the British government doesn’t get involved, we’ve heard nothing and the silence is deafening. We are only asking for a simple communication to Iraq to tell them to close the case. This would be sufficient for Brian to be released immediately and come home.” Qatari Ambassador receives MP for Brian Glendinning Mr Douglas Chapman, MP for Dumferline and West Fife visited the Qatar Embassy yesterday to hand deliver a letter. He was welcomed by Qatar’s Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Yousef Ali Al-Khater who Mr Chapman says “was very supportive”. His wife Kimberly said this morning “just seems one thing after another”. Kimberly wakes up every morning hoping today will be the day she gets the good news. “It’s disheartening having to tell Brian every day to just hang in there again. It’s not right. He’s being treated like he is nothing. I just don’t see how our government can welcome and encourage Qatar but not bother to help in a situation like this that is clearly wrong. He’s paid the bank. The bank doesn’t want him in prison anymore. What would it take for Qatar to show they actually care for people?” Radha Stirling , founder of Due Process International has called for the British government to stand up for human rights and end the wrongful detention. “The family are going through hell right now and we are calling on the respective governments to put an end to Brian’s detention. He’s spent 2 months in a Baghdad jail, has paid his debt and nobody seems to care that he’s still languishing there as the world cup approaches? It’s absolutely time for James Cleverly and Rishi Sunak to use their diplomatic channels to push this final stage through and get Brian home. Nobody should be detained and treated like garbage over small bank debts.” No response from Cleverly leaves Glendinning family arranging protest at Scottish parliament this week Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network - https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts - https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai mail: info@detainedindubai.org

British prisoner in Iraq pleads Rishi Sunak for help

After two months in Baghdad jail, British father of three pleads for Rishi Sunak to help get him home. The construction engineer has been...

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Scottish construction engineer Brian Glendinning has been locked up for two months in egregious conditions in a Baghdad jail after Qatar issued an Interpol Red Notice for bank debt. An Iraqi judge has told lawyers he will release Brian as soon as a diplomatic note is received from Qatar. “We have persuaded Qatar National Bank to withdraw the police case after a third party donor discharged the liability”, explains Interpol & extradition crisis consultant Radha Stirling . “The bank assured us they would delete the Interpol Red Notice and instruct the Qatari authorities to withdraw the extradition request. This is a unique situation though; Brian is not sitting in the comfort of his own home, he is suffering in the most appalling conditions and it’s imperative that Qatar and the United Kingdom push for an urgent resolution. We must remember, this should never have happened in the first place. “Britain’s Ambassador has assured me they will provide consular assistance in this respect and Douglas Chapman, MP has pushed Qatar’s Ambassador again today. “The bank no longer wants Brian in a Qatari jail. They have their money. They’ve successfully misused Interpol as their own personal debt collectors and now all that’s needed is a note to Iraq confirming the same. “With the World Cup looming, we hope Qatar will do the right thing here and end this family’s nightmare,” added Stirling. Brian’s family has been under incredible stress the past week. “We are hoping the end is near but we are well aware this could go on for weeks, months or years”, said John Glendinning, Brian’s brother. “We know there are other people in this situation who have been jailed for over a year and we are beyond worried. It wouldn’t take much for Qatar’s Ministry of Interior to pick up the phone and confirm with QNB that Brian isn’t wanted anymore but will they do that? I don’t know. Kimberly is hanging in there but it’s getting harder and harder and we don’t know if we can trust the bank’s word. We hope we can.” Brian is not the first Briton detained abroad on the request of Qatar National Bank. “The bank waits for people to get arrested then demands funds to release them even though this is a complete violation of Interpol regulations and extradition treaties. Most of the time, the victim will be released since debt is not a crime but the process can be lengthy and costly”, added Stirling. “It’s disappointing that the bank exploited the system and on this occasion, it’s worked for them which will only encourage further abuse. We need more robust provisions in place to protect British citizens in the future. This is why I have worked with MP’s today to put a parliamentary question to the Home Office. “I have suggested our NCA should notify citizens of any Red Notices against them from the Gulf region so they are aware of any issues prior to travel, especially when pertaining to financial crime allegations such as breach of trust or fraud (categories misused to describe debt). This would allow citizens the chance to contest the Notice before travel and prevent future wrongful arrests abroad.” Brian’s predicament is surprisingly commonplace and it’s not the first time the issue has been discussed in Parliament. “ Conor Howard , Brian Glendinning , Alan Stevenson , Robert Urwin and Steven Williams are just a handful of cases we have published. All of these cases resulted in the unlawful and lengthy detention of British nationals abroad. None of them should ever have been able to be listed on Interpol and the Interpol warrants were later deleted. Alan’s detention in Prague was ruled a violation of his human rights and Robert spent over a year in prison. It’s outrageous”. Radha Stirling, an expert witness, founded IPEX Reform to address the widespread and multilayered problems with the current framework of the extradition process. “The British government has the opportunity to protect nationals from further abuse simply by notifying them of Interpol warrants from emerging authoritarian nations”. STIRLINGPRESS: Interpol Press information pack: John Nicholas was listed on Interpol by Qatar National Bank: Home | IPEX Reform Interpol & Extradition Reform, Expert Witness, Interpol Removal, Crisis Management, Legislative & Government Advisory Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network - https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts - https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai mail: info@detainedindubai.org

Iraq awaits diplomatic note from Qatar to release Brian Glendinning

Scottish construction engineer Brian Glendinning has been locked up for two months in egregious conditions in a Baghdad jail after Qatar...

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Mr Douglas Chapman, MP for Dumferline and West Fife visited the Qatar Embassy yesterday to hand deliver a letter. He was welcomed by Qatar’s Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Yousef Ali Al-Khater who Mr Chapman says “was very supportive”. Mr Chapman raised the case of Brian Glendinning, a British national detained in Iraq over a Qatar National Bank (QNB) Interpol Red Notice. In a letter to the Ambassador, Chapman explained that Glendinning had settled with QNB who agreed to withdraw the police case and extradition request. He advised Ambassador Al-Khater that the conditions in prison for Mr Glendinning were “dreadful” and requested Qatar expedite sending a diplomatic note to Iraq to release him without further complication. Mr Chapman, MP left the Embassy to return to Parliament to deliver a similar letter to the new foreign secretary, James Cleverly, MP. “Brian’s brother John and wife Kimberly were so thankful that Mr Chapman met the Ambassador in person”, reported Radha Stirling , who has been representing the Glendinnings. “We are truly grateful for the efforts Mr Chapman has made. This is exactly what is required in this kind of situation and is what the FCDO and James Cleverly should also be doing. “We are hopeful His Excellency will be able to promptly execute the necessary communication to Iraq so that Brian can finally come home and recover from his terrible ordeal.” Brian Glendinning has struggled for over two months in a rat infested cell where his family feared he would die. His wife Kimberly said “Brian’s the kind of person who never gets emotional, he doesn’t cry or show anything like that. But he’s been breaking down on the phone saying he doesn’t know if he’s going to survive this. He’s living on basically bread, he’s sharing a tiny cell with 40 other men. One of them openly admits to killing his own relative, and there’s Taliban fighters in the same cell, terrorists”. Kimberly and the family are hopeful he will be released soon but understand that nothing is done “until it’s done” . “They try to keep Brian’s spirits up when he calls”, says Stirling. “They are always reminding him that everyone is supporting him on the outside and we’re all waiting to see him on the outside”. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network - https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts - https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai mail: info@detainedindubai.org

Qatari Ambassador receives MP for Brian Glendinning

Mr Douglas Chapman, MP for Dumferline and West Fife visited the Qatar Embassy yesterday to hand deliver a letter. He was welcomed by...

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Millions of British and European nationals live in the Middle East and many more Middle Easterners live in Britain and Europe. As political alliances strengthen, so do business partnerships, friendships and romantic relationships but many of them end in divorce and where there are children involved, they are at risk of abduction. “It’s all too common a story”, says Radha Stirling , founder of Due Process International and the Gulf in Justice Podcast . “Over the past decade, we have seen a number of distraught mothers and fathers who have suffered the ultimate loss, that of a child. Our Gulf allies are not signatories to the Hague Convention against international child abduction and do not recognise European custody orders. This gives the green light to a parent to violate local European laws, abduct their child and seek refuge in the Middle East, depriving the child of one parent”. Maud Quinault has been left fighting for her now 6 year old son Fahad-Louis after his father, Omani national Amur al-Maamari, violated a French court order. “He said he was taking our son to Disneyland and I believed him”, Maud told Due Process International. “I found out he took our son to Madrid where he obtained an emergency travel document and fled to Oman. I haven’t seen my son since”. ​​The last time Maud Quinault spoke by telephone to her five-year-old son, Fahad-Louis, she said he was crying and did not want to be with his dad. “Mummy, please come and get me,” the little boy said. ‘Britain rules Oman’, says regime insider who wants her son back A French woman who claims her son was abducted by a member of a powerful family in Oman is speaking out about UK influence in the corrupt Middle Eastern country. Amur al-Maamari was listed on Interpol but it will only affect him if he leaves the Gulf. Interpol has no power of arrest and Oman will not extradite him to France since he has not broken any local laws. “If Oman was a signatory to the Hague convention, he would have been required to return Fahad-Louis to France”, explained Stirling. “This happens all too often. We have mutual enforcement treaties on commercial disputes and extraditions, but no treaties on child abduction where the victim is an innocent and vulnerable young being. “What’s worse is that the abducting party will usually open a fake criminal case against their former spouse to ensure they will be arrested on arrival if they try to visit.” British MP candidate Afsana Alachaux has been campaigning for mothers who have lost children to Gulf injustice for a number of years. Sadly, Ms Stirling has had to advise a number of women that they may not be able to see their children again until they are older. “Sometimes, we have been able to mediate a private solution amongst parents and this is the best outcome, but when divorce is fresh, it’s challenging to get both parties to take the emotion out of matters and prioritise the children. There are also some seriously narcissistic and abusive people out there who take a child just to punish their former partner. This is why we need Gulf nations to reflect the Hague convention in their local laws and we are seeking UK and EU parliamentary support to discuss diplomatic options with our Gulf partners. “With a Treaty in place, international child abduction rates will go down and children like Fahad-Louis will be spared the trauma of losing their mother or father”. Fundraiser by Maud Quinault : Mother’s fights to be reunited with her baby boy Please help me fund my legal fight to justice to bring my baby boy hom… Maud Quinault needs your support for Mother’s fights to be reunited with her baby boy . Gulf in Justice Podcast with Radha Stirling Gulf in Justice Podcast by Detained in Dubai's Radha Stirling. Breaking news from the Middle East with exciting topics & guests. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http://www.radhastirling.com CLAN - Crypto Legal Advocacy Network - https://www.bitclan.org/ Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international IPEX - Interpol & Extradition Reform & Defence Experts - https://www.ipexreform.com/ Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai mail: info@detainedindubai.org

Mother asks MP’s to push Middle Eastern allies to join Hague Convention on Child Abduction

Millions of British and European nationals live in the Middle East and many more Middle Easterners live in Britain and Europe. As...

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