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British citizen Brian Glendinning was to start work on a construction engineering contract in Basra last month, when he was abruptly arrested by authorities on the basis of a Red Notice from Qatar. The Scot had worked in Doha in 2016 and was persuaded by aggressive sales reps of Qatar National Bank to take out a £20,000 low-interest loan to help him settle in the country. While on holiday in 2017, Glendinning fell ill, and claimed sick-leave from his job, only to be immediately fired. Despite the fact that he made consistent payments on the debt throughout his time in Qatar, and despite remaining in contact with QNB during his unemployment; the bank filed a criminal complaint against Glendinning for “defaulting” on the loan. He was convicted in absentia to two years in prison, and his name was submitted to Interpol as a fugitive sought for extradition. “ Typically, when anyone agrees to take a loan from QNB ,” commented Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Doha and IPEX , an NGO dedicated to Interpol reform, “ they are required to submit a security cheque for the total amount of the loan. If they fall behind in their payments, the bank will cash that security cheque, which inevitably bounces. The bank then accuses the debtor of fraud, and claims that they are owed the total principal of the loan, regardless of how much it has already been paid down through months of instalments .” Glendinning has been held in police lock-up for 4 weeks, and faces the possibility of extradition any day now. “Our immediate concern is for Brian’s safety; Iraqi prisons are notoriously harsh, horribly overcrowded, unsanitary, and breeding places of disease. The inmates are disproportionately violent militants charged with terrorism, and a Westerner like Brian is in imminent danger ,” Stirling explained, “ Next, there is the risk of Brian’s extradition to Qatar, where he would face two years in prison where conditions are not significantly better .” Qatar, due to host the FIFA World Cup next month, has considerable influence in Iraq, Stirling said, and extradition is a near certainty unless concerted intervention is made on Glendinning’s behalf. “ Unlike other Gulf States, Qatar maintains solid relations with Iran, which is the most influential player in Iraq, and Doha has entered into several trade and investment deals with the government in Baghdad. One of the major banks in Iraq, Al Mansoor Bank, is a subsidiary of QNB. New Interpol Prevention Service to combat Red Notice Abuse Abuse of the Interpol system by countries around the world has been steadily increasing in recent years, with Gulf States leading the trend. Of particular concern are those countries which have positioned themselves as investment destinations for foreign business Due Process Newsroom & Media Centre “Unfortunately, Britain’s influence in Iraq, in Qatar, and the Gulf overall, has dwindled over the past decade, as has the UK’s will to intervene in these countries on behalf of its citizens. Qatar is pumping tens of billions of pounds of investment into the UK, and Qataris pour billions more into British real estate every year. We have seen government support for British expats in the Gulf steadily evaporating as Qatari, Saudi, and Emirati investment flows into the UK. There is no doubt that the FCDO can successfully intervene to secure Brian’s release, but we will need overwhelming public support to make sure that happens .” It is conceivable, Stirling said, that Glendinning could be arriving in Doha at the same time as World Cup football fans, “ While thousands of British tourists embark for Qatar to attend the World Cup and stay in 5-star hotels, Brian may be bundled onto a plane in handcuffs and leg shackles, headed to a cramped prison cell. Most of these tourists will be paying for the trip with credit cards; there is even an official World Cup Visa card. Undoubtedly, some of these football fans may fall behind on their payments over the coming months – can anyone imagine being listed on Interpol for that, and sent to prison? Legal experts launch new App for emergency help at World Cup Due Process Newsroom & Media Centre “Doha Bank has issued their own special edition World Cup credit card, tempting applicants with a whole host of incentives and bonuses, the same promotional tactics used to lure people like Brian into taking out bank loans. Anyone who accepts these kinds of offers could easily find themselves in Brian’s position. Even while you are negotiating a payment plan with the bank, they may be having you charged and convicted for defaulting without you ever knowing – just like Brian.” Fundraiser by John Glendinning : Save Brian from Qatar jail!! Brian needs your help! Qatar National Bank has WRONGFULLY reported Brian to Interpol a… John Glendinning needs your support for Save Brian from Qatar jail!! 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

Scottish man detained in Iraq sentenced to 2 years in Qatar jail ‘likely to be extradited’

British citizen Brian Glendinning was to start work on a construction engineering contract in Basra last month, when he was abruptly...

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BBC's Good Morning Scotland discusses Brian Glendinning, a British engineer’s fight against Qatar extradition ‘a warning to World Cup fans’ Brian Glendinning’s case highlights peril for football fans travelling to the Gulf nation this year, experts warn Interpol and extradition expert Radha Stirling highlight's Qatar's ongoing abuse of the Interpol Red Notice system. Brian's brother John talks of the distressing time he and his family are going through with this shocking arrest. "Scot held in Iraq over unknown Qatari conviction" bbc.co.uk - 10/10/2022 A Scottish construction engineer has been held in police cells in Iraq for a month after being added to an Interpol list over a debt conviction in Qatar. Brian Glendinning, 43, from Kincardine in Fife, did not know he was a wanted fugitive until he was detained in Basra on his way to a new job. His family has called on the UK government to intervene. They also warned football fans going to the World Cup next month to be aware of the risks in traveling to Qatar. In 2017 Mr Glendinning, who is married with three children and one granddaughter, was sentenced in his absence to two years in prison for defaulting on a debt. He had agreed to take out £20,000 loan with his bank in Qatar while working in Doha in 2016, but was not able to keep up full repayments when he lost his job. His family told how he was made redundant in 2017, while on sick leave at home in Scotland, but had kept in touch with the bank not realising he had been convicted of a crime. Speaking to BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme, his brother John Glendinning said: "I believe Brian did what most parents would do then - what money you've got coming in when you're unemployed you try to keep the house warm and feed the kids. "But then in Qatar, I believe that's a crime to them. It's not just defaulting on a bad credit history as we do here in the UK." He said it was devastating to hear his "big brother and best friend" had been detained in Iraq. "He was petrified," his brother said. "He explained that they told him it was Interpol and he was on the red list for a warrant for his arrest from Qatar." He said bank salesmen would target expats in Qatari hotels offering loans with low interest rates. "It looks like they want you to default," he said. "Interest rates are extremely low but when you default they go through this process of doing this to families. "They know that we are desperate. They know I would sell my house. I've already sold my car. "My brother is getting treated like a crime lord. The loan should be paid, of course it should, but this is crazy." 'Is he coming home?' In four weeks the legal bills have already reached £30,000. Mr Glendinning has been moved to a police cell in Baghdad, where he has been allowed to see British Embassy staff twice. He spoke to his wife and mother at the weekend. "Nobody is sleeping, we're constantly thinking about Brian's mindset, constantly thinking is he coming home?" his brother said. He added: "I think it's crazy that we're going to have British citizens in their barrel load heading over to Qatar in the next few weeks for the World Cup and I just want to give a message to them - think about where you're going." In the past few days Radha Stirling , the founder of Detained in Dubai and IPEX , has taken on the case. She has supported hundreds of people unfairly detained in or at risk of being extradited to the UAE and the Middle East. These include Conor Howard , an engineer from Tranent, East Lothian. He was held in Greece in 2020, under an Interpol warrant, over a conviction for carrying a herb-grinder on a plane trip that stopped in Doha. Ms Stirling said Mr Glendinning's case was a "nightmare" for the family but she was confident they would be able to bring him home. She told BBC Scotland he had been "aggressively pursued" to take out a loan by his bank in Qatar, as is" standard practice" there. 'We will make every effort to save Brian' "The problem with Qatar banks is when they want to pursue someone on Interpol to put pressure on the family to pay the debt, they add legal fees and charges to get the amount over the Interpol threshold, which is €15,000, then wait for that person to be detained and put pressure on their parents or their families to sell assets or use their life's savings to bail out their child, " Ms Stirling said. "We will make every diplomatic and legal effort to save Brian from extradition. It's a human rights issue and clearly highlights Qatar's intimate relationship with Interpol." She added: "With the World Cup coming up, Qatar should be mindful of rights attacks towards foreigners." Mr Glendinning's family has called on Prime Minister Liz Truss and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to help. "We need them to talk to Qatar, to talk to Iraq," his brother said. "We need support for a British citizen who's not a criminal and who's been held like he's a criminal." Crowdfunding The Foreign Office said: "We are providing support to a British man who has been arrested in Iraq and are in touch with the local authorities." A crowdfunding appeal set up by the family to help cover legal costs has already raised more than £11,000 of a £40,000 target. It says: "Brian needs urgent help or risks extradition to Qatar where human rights violations are notorious and where it is likely he would never be allowed to leave. "Even if he goes to prison in Qatar and serves his sentence, they will never let him leave until his debt is paid, but he won't be allowed to work or have a work permit." Scot held in Iraq over unknown Qatari conviction, originally published at bbc.co.uk 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

Scottish man detained in Iraq over Qatar Interpol warrant. BBC Scotland talks with Radha Stirling

BBC's Good Morning Scotland discusses Brian Glendinning, a British engineer’s fight against Qatar extradition ‘a warning to World Cup...

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Qatar National Bank seeks extradition of Scottish man from Iraq over small bank debt. A 43 year old construction engineer from Kincardine had arrived in Iraq to work when he was cuffed and taken to a holding cell. On the 12th of September, Brian Glendinning had no idea why he was being taken away. “Interpol Red Notice from Qatar”, he was told. Brian never thought a small Qatar National bank debt could possibly result in his international arrest and an extradition trial. The loving husband and father of three was starting a new role at the BP oil refinery but instead of being able to earn money to continue repaying his QNB debt, he was having to pay for an extradition trial in a foreign country with money he simply didn’t have. His family cannot bear the thought of Brian being extradited like some crime lord over a bank debt. “It makes no sense”, says brother John. “It makes sense to Qatar National Bank”, explains Interpol expert Radha Stirling , founder of IPEX , “the bank deliberately activates wrongful Interpol Notices as a debt collection tactic akin to extortion. They wait for a customer to be arrested and hope the parents will dispose of assets and pay the debt themselves. The bank usually asks for substantially more than what was owed, knowing parents will pay anything to keep their children out of jail. It works for them but makes a mockery of Interpol and extradition courts”. His distressed brother John says “Brian is a hardworking man who has always put his family first. He is the life and soul of any family occasion or party, where he earns the name happy feet (given to his dancing skills). Anyone who meets Brian ends up calling him friend, much loved and well liked in the village of Kincardine where he was brought up and still lives today”. Stirling confirms “We will make every diplomatic and legal effort to save Brian from extradition. We will further be making extradition treaty reform suggestions. Qatar is making itself a nuisance and costing taxpayers a lot of money. We’ve helped Brits arrested in Spain (many times), Czech, Italy, Denmark, Ukraine and so on. The police and court time is costly and the victim can be unfairly detained throughout the trial. It’s a human rights issue and clearly highlights Qatar’s intimate relationship with Interpol. With the World Cup coming up, Qatar should be mindful of rights attacks towards foreigners”. Brit may face decades in Qatar jail after being arrested in Spain over debt | The Scotsman A British man fears decades in prison in Qatar after he was arrested while on holiday in Spain with his family over a debt he ran up while living in the Arab country. Brian’s family is struggling now. He could not start his job and now has high legal expenses. He and his family need help to fight for his freedom and bring him home to Scotland. “I spoke with Brian’s mother Margaret. She was distraught and in tears. It really is a nightmare for family members”. We are offering our full support to Brian’s family and legal team as an expert witness. I am confident we will bring Brian home”. Fundraiser by John Glendinning : Save Brian from Qatar jail!! Brian needs your help! Qatar National Bank has WRONGFULLY reported Brian to Interpol a… John Glendinning needs your support for Save Brian from Qatar jail!| 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

Scotsman detained in Iraq over outrageous Qatar Interpol warrant

Qatar National Bank seeks extradition of Scottish man from Iraq over small bank debt. A 43 year old construction engineer from Kincardine...

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Lille, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Reims, and now Paris are all banning so-called ‘fan zones’ from being organised in their cities that would allow residents to watch the World Cup on giant screens in public spaces; citing human rights and environmental objections to the sports event in Qatar. The cities’ mayors have stated that celebrating the World Cup in Doha would be nonsensical given reports that some 6,500 migrant workers died during construction of sporting venues, and considering the carbon footprint generated from hosting football matches in air-conditioned stadiums in the desert. Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Doha , points out that the mayors’ stance highlights the conundrum of Europe’s relationship with the Gulf, “ They are right to protest human rights abuses in Qatar, particularly the deplorable conditions of migrant workers. The environmental concerns, as well, are justified; the carbon footprint of the World Cup in Doha is anticipated to reach 3.6 million tonnes of CO2 output ,” Stirling explains, “ But just a week ago, France signed a new $1.5 billion natural gas agreement with Qatar, which followed another $2 billion agreement in June. French FDI into Qatar has tripled over the past decade, there are around 120 French companies registered in Qatar, and Qatar owns roughly $25 billion worth of assets in France. “This degree of economic entanglement dulls the impact of French protestations about human rights. Qatar, and other countries in the region with similarly dismal human rights records, see that such protests are never accompanied by consequences; the money, oil and gas, keep flowing regardless. France and Europe’s economic ties with the Gulf could potentially be used as leverage to push for reforms, but what we see happening is the opposite. The financial interests between the EU and the Gulf are actually neutralising Western criticism. “The war in Ukraine, and the Western sanctions against Russia have only further increased Europe’s energy vulnerability, causing it to take an even more muted approach to the despotic regimes in the Gulf. Denying French citizens the enjoyment of a World Cup block party will have no impact on Qatar. In the final analysis, France, Europe, and the collective West are subsidising Qatar and their human rights abuses every day. Half of the carbon emissions associated with the World Cup will be caused by Westerners flying to Doha; a big screen TV in a Marseille public square would be inconsequential. Symbolic protest is meaningless when practical economic collaboration is ongoing.” Qatar World Cup 2022: Paris joins boycott of fan zones over human rights - BBC News It is the latest French city to announce the move over human rights in Qatar. 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

The conundrum of Western relations with Qatar

Lille, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Reims, and now Paris are all banning so-called ‘fan zones’ from being organised in their cities...

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Queers have so far managed to live in the Gulf state by keeping a low profile. But UAE’s new crackdown on the LGBTQ community might change that. A kiss, a hug or holding hands — acts of fondness by same sex couples in public have always been out of the question in the United Arab Emirates. Behind closed doors, it has been a different affair for members of the international LGBTQ community . "Much of the Dubaian gay nightlife takes place in venues within the city's copious international hotels, which are technically open to all who can afford them," Ryan Centner, a professor of urban geography at the London School of Economics, concluded after six years of field research among gay expatriates in the UAE. "Not a single venue's webpage uses the word ‘gay' or related euphemisms, nor do they hint at targeting a gay crowd," he said in an interview on the school's website. Information on the website Travelgay.com concurs. Dubai-based lawyer Matthew, originally from the UK, found that though there were no official gay clubs, "they're usually known through social media or word of mouth, although they're never advertised [as gay clubs]," he told the website in an anonymous interview. In Matthew's experience, staying under the radar has worked out for the LGTBQ community since "the Emirates are very private, and respect of that privacy is paramount." All of this is despite the fact that the UAE's penal code lays out punishments for "any flagrant indecent act." Often this means homosexuality. According to Article 358, any saying or act that offends public morals can see the perpetrator fined up to 50,000 dirhams ($13,000) or even imprisoned. However the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, or ILGA, which represents more than 1,700 organizations from over 160 countries, reports that only 21 people in the UAE were prosecuted for this between 2004 and 2021. Increasing concern All of this is why much of the international LGBTQ community trusted that, as long as they kept a low profile, they could rely on authorities turning a blind eye. Whether that can continue remains to be seen. Recently the UAE and other neighboring countries have announced various measures that may indicate an even stricter approach to the LGBTQ community. Saudi Arabia banned rainbow-coloured products earlier this month, Lebanon saw the authorities take action against events during Pride Month and Qatar, now in the spotlight because it is hosting the upcoming World Cup in soccer , has been caught up in a debate about rainbow flags and how to host queer couples in local hotels. One of the most recent moves was by the UAE's Ministry of Education which approved an updated code of conduct for education professionals during the first week of September. One of the tenets in the new framework explicitly prohibits "discussing gender identity, homosexuality or any other behavior deemed unacceptable to the UAE's society" in class. Undoubtedly this will affect foreigners in the country who work as English language teachers. It is the first time, the code of conduct has used such language and DW asked the Ministry of Education as to whether this was part of a new crackdown on the LGBTQ community, but had not recieved an answer at the time of writing. For Radha Stirling , head of the UK-based law firm, Detained in Dubai , specializing in UAE law, this is nothing new. "It is not, and should not be, surprising that the UAE prohibits the teaching of a lifestyle that is itself prohibited by law," she told DW. "The UAE is interested in liberalization in certain areas but they have to weigh this against public opinions and they cannot tolerate actions that incite a backlash," she said. Political agenda In fact, local opinion is a large part of the reason behind the recent wave of anti-LGBTQ measures in the region, Mostafa Minawi, a professor of Middle Eastern and Ottoman history at Cornell University in the US, told DW. There is a pattern emerging behind the "coordinated effort in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon and also Turkey, who are all about cracking down on the symbolism of any LGBTQ existence in public, such as the rainbow flag," he told DW. "Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been reframing their relationship with Israel , which is highly unpopular with some parts of the population," he argued. "So what better method is there to send a message to the local population that they are still holding on to their traditions?" Local LGBTQ populations are political scapegoats, he said. "This time it is not women, and not migrant workers [that are being scapegoated] because they are in the spotlight of human rights organizations due to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar," Minawi added. The laws may appear to target local LGBTQ community members but none of this is good news for internationals in the UAE either. According to the latest update of the global equality index, Equaldex, the UAE is ranked at 5 out of 100 points , with zero points being the worst. "The UAE continues to be one of the most dangerous places for LGBTQ people and tourists," Dan Leveille, head of Equaldex, told DW. And he isn't hopeful that this will change any time soon. "Earlier this year, we've seen the UAE ban the [Disney] film Lightyear for a same-sex kiss. Anti-gay sentiments remain high and I haven't seen any data that shows the sentiments are improving." Original: 27.09.2022 - Jennifer Holleis at Deutsche Welle 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

UAE is becoming increasingly hostile to the LGBTQ community

Queers have so far managed to live in the Gulf state by keeping a low profile. But UAE’s new crackdown on the LGBTQ community might...

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Published at Helsinki Times 29th September 2022 With the World Cup approaching , Detained in Dubai expects an increase in the number of arrests throughout the Gulf region. Football fans will stay at hotels throughout Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and the wider Gulf as they cheer on their favourite team, but with this sporting event come the confusing and arbitrarily enforced laws that have seen thousands of visitors end up behind bars. With this in mind, Detained in Dubai has launched a new emergency mobile phone App in iTunes and Google Play . “We are encouraging fans to download the new App before travelling to the Middle East”, says founder Radha Stirling . “The UAE blocked Detained in Dubai’s website so this App is the fastest way to access help in an emergency”. The 15 year old organisation has a network of vetted local lawyers in Qatar, Saudi and the UAE who will expect to be busy. “Visitors are often seen as cash cows by local law firms who overcharge then neglect them. It’s important to have representatives who care about you and their own reputations”, explained Stirling who produced an ebook on the issue. The App boasts an emergency chat option, breaking news for journalists, travel warnings, urgent alerts as well as access to the Gulf in Justice Podcast and blog. “Visitors are urged to share information or incidents throughout the World Cup so users can be kept abreast of any risks”. Travel warnings and common reasons for arrest include: Alcohol Related Offences The vague nature of alcohol laws in the Middle East leaves visitors open to being charged for public drunkenness even if they have only consumed a tiny amount. If a visitor “offends” someone and they are reported to police, they will likely be charged with public drunkenness. Offensive Behaviour This is a catch all charge that is subjective in nature and at a multicultural venue, things can escalate quickly. Taking photos without permission, flirtation, swearing or arguing can all result in arrest. The first person to report behaviour to the police will be taken the most seriously even when completely unfair. Homosexuality Unsurprisingly, some hotels have already made their policies on LGBTQ patrons known. Homosexuality is criminal in the Gulf and people have been arrested for sharing a hotel room, cross dressing or engaging in homosexual activity. Disputes Private disputes are sometimes unavoidable but can result in lengthy detention. Hotels, rental car companies and other retailers are frequently responsible for making police complaints against customers who dispute unfair charges, have a car accident or can not pay their bills. Cybercrime Criticising the government, a company, swearing, pornography or any kind of “offensive” behaviour online can result in lengthy sentences and hefty fines. The catch is, the online posts don’t have to be made during the visit. Cybercrime laws apply to all social media posts, even if made years ago from outside the country. People have been arrested for bad hotel reviews, low star ratings and trust pilot reviews. Drugs Many attendees will be arriving from countries where cannabis is legal to consume. However, the drug remains detectable in one’s system for up to two months and if that person is tested, they will be detained and charged with possession. Visitors have been arrested for possession of prescription medicine and even hemp and poppyseeds. Conor Howard was detained in Qatar for carrying a brand new and unused herb grinder that was perceived to be a “cannabis grinder” by inexperienced authorities. Download from: Google Play iTunes 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

Legal experts launch new App for emergency help at World Cup

Published at Helsinki Times 29th September 2022 With the World Cup approaching, Detained in Dubai expects an increase in the number of...

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After 8 months in Saudi Arabia, Christopher Emms has finally won his extradition battle. British national Chris Emms has been released from his travel ban in Saudi Arabia, following intensive efforts by Radha Stirling , CEO of Due Process International ; and the continuous support of the British government. “ We are relieved that the Saudi authorities ultimately rejected the American extradition request, which has no sound legal basis; and we deeply appreciate British intervention in this case, and the cooperation established with the Saudis ,” Stirling said in a statement today. Emms is a crypto-technology pioneer bizarrely accused by the United States of violating American sanctions against North Korea for his participation in a 2018 conference in Pyongyang. Upon his release from Saudi Arabia, Chris embarked for Russia, fearing that the UK would likely acquiesce to the extradition request if he returned home. Although he would seek to defend an extradition on the basis of a lack of dual criminality and would likely win, it is clear that the UK is impotent against US pressure with looming trade deals in negotiation. While the official case against Emms alleges that he breached the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by discussing cryptocurrency systems in North Korea, observers contend that the US is simply cracking down on the independent cryptosphere ahead of a planned launch of government-controlled CBDCs. “ Chris is not an American citizen and is not accountable to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) ,” Stirling explained, “ He cannot be reasonably prosecuted for violating American sanctions on North Korea any more than he could be prosecuted for breaking the Illinois speed limit while driving on the Autobahn. This is a politically-driven witch hunt against crypto entrepreneurs and the existence of decentralised finance ” No foreign national has ever been successfully prosecuted for violating IEEPA without the accused being intimidated into a plea bargain. “ Chris offered to cooperate with the US authorities ,” Stirling said, “ Precisely because he did nothing wrong; he provided no information to North Korea that doesn’t already appear on the first page of Google. At the end of the day, the Americans know that the IEEPA does not apply to Chris, and he is not going to be coerced into a plea deal .” “Unfortunately, as a result of the Julian Assange case, Chris could not be confident that the UK would protect him against wrongful prosecution and extradition. He is now safely in Russia and we are relieved that he is a free man once again. However, the charges remain, the case continues. Chris is still subject to an abusive Red Notice on Interpol; we will continue to support him and fight for his delisting to ensure he will never be deprived of his freedom again, simply for helping to provide the world with an alternative to state-controlled monetary policies and corporate banking. A team of US lawyers will work to remove the abusive indictment and seek damages.” United Nations to hear US FBI abuse of crypto expert Chris Emms Due Process Newsroom & Media Centre Colonising the Cryptosphere - by Radha Stirling Due Process Newsroom & Media Centre US seeks extradition of British national over cryptocurrency conference: The case of Christopher Emms. The US has issued an Interpol Red Notice against Chris Emms for allegedly violating US sanctions against North Korea (DPRK). Emms is currently held in Saudi Arabia as he fights against the US extradition request. 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 mail: info@detainedindubai.org

Crypto pioneer Chris Emms released from Saudi Arabia

After 8 months in Saudi Arabia, Christopher Emms has finally won his extradition battle. British national Chris Emms has been released...

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Detained in Doha founder Radha Stirling issued a statement on Mark Bennett's tragic case: "The government of Qatar and locally owned companies act with complete impunity. From top earning employees and entrepreneurs to domestic workers and labourers, everyone is at risk. The slightest perceived infraction can land people in rat infested prisons where they may be subject to grave human rights violations. Even if released, they will remain on a travel ban indefinitely and be kept within the confines of the Gulf island. The country has not been a tourism hub until now, but we only need to look at what happened to Conor Howard to know they are ill equipped to deal respectfully with foreign nationals. When it comes to women’s rights, the government o​f Qatar was forced to apologise to women onboard a flight to Australia after s tripping and intimately searching them without their consent. It is astonishing that Qatar is hosting the World Cup and that hundreds of thousands of people will be put at risk by the authoritarian regime. It is even more shocking that celebrities have agreed to act as paid PR agents. Marc Bennet’s tragic and appalling case warrants urgent intervention by the Foreign Office. Brits are not safe to visit or work in Qatar when we have serious human rights violations on a consistent basis, and the country has no right to host an event that will put the safety of Brits at risk. The FCDO has a duty to increase travel warnings to citizens and to take diplomatic efforts to ensure this never happens again". Legal experts launch new App for emergency help at World Cup Football fans will stay at hotels throughout Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and the wider Gulf as they cheer on their favourite team, but with this sporting event come the confusing and arbitrarily enforced laws that have seen thousands of visitors end up behind bars. 'Suicide' of Briton found hanged in Qatar on Christmas Day doesn't make sense, his widow says Daily Mail Online | Marc Bennett, 52, was found hanged in his hotel room in 2019 after resigning from Qatar Airways. His widow Nancy Bennett, 51, said the claims it was a suicide 'didn't make sense'. 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

Mark Bennett ‘suicide’ - FCDO must increase travel warnings says Radha Stirling.

Detained in Doha founder Radha Stirling issued a statement on Mark Bennett's tragic case: "The government of Qatar and locally owned...

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With the World Cup approaching, Detained in Dubai expects an increase in the number of arrests throughout the Gulf region. Football fans will stay at hotels throughout Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and the wider Gulf as they cheer on their favourite team, but with this sporting event come the confusing and arbitrarily enforced laws that have seen thousands of visitors end up behind bars. With this in mind, Detained in Dubai has launched a new emergency mobile phone App in iTunes and Google Play . “We are encouraging fans to download the new App before travelling to the Middle East”, says founder Radha Stirling . “The UAE blocked Detained in Dubai’s website so this App is the fastest way to access help in an emergency”. The 15 year old organisation has a network of vetted local lawyers in Qatar, Saudi and the UAE who will expect to be busy. “Visitors are often seen as cash cows by local law firms who overcharge then neglect them. It’s important to have representatives who care about you and their own reputations”, explained Stirling who produced an ebook on the issue. The App boasts an emergency chat option, breaking news for journalists, travel warnings, urgent alerts as well as access to the Gulf in Justice Podcast and blog. “Visitors are urged to share information or incidents throughout the World Cup so users can be kept abreast of any risks”. TRAVEL WARNINGS AND COMMON REASONS FOR ARREST INCLUDE: Alcohol Related Offences The vague nature of alcohol laws in the Middle East leaves visitors open to being charged for public drunkenness even if they have only consumed a tiny amount. If a visitor “offends” someone and they are reported to police, they will likely be charged with public drunkenness. Offensive Behaviour This is a catch all charge that is subjective in nature and at a multicultural venue, things can escalate quickly. Taking photos without permission, flirtation, swearing or arguing can all result in arrest. The first person to report behaviour to the police will be taken the most seriously even when completely unfair. Homosexuality Unsurprisingly, some hotels have already made their policies on LGBTQ patrons known. Homosexuality is criminal in the Gulf and people have been arrested for sharing a hotel room, cross dressing or engaging in homosexual activity. Disputes Private disputes are sometimes unavoidable but can result in lengthy detention. Hotels, rental car companies and other retailers are frequently responsible for making police complaints against customers who dispute unfair charges, have a car accident or can not pay their bills. Cybercrime Criticising the government, a company, swearing, pornography or any kind of “offensive” behaviour online can result in lengthy sentences and hefty fines. The catch is, the online posts don’t have to be made during the visit. Cybercrime laws apply to all social media posts, even if made years ago from outside the country. People have been arrested for bad hotel reviews, low star ratings and trust pilot reviews. Drugs Many attendees will be arriving from countries where cannabis is legal to consume. However, the drug remains detectable in one’s system for up to two months and if that person is tested, they will be detained and charged with possession. Visitors have been arrested for possession of prescription medicine and even hemp and poppyseeds. Conor Howard was detained in Qatar for carrying a brand new and unused herb grinder that was perceived to be a “cannabis grinder” by inexperienced authorities. 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

Legal experts launch new App for emergency help at World Cup

With the World Cup approaching, Detained in Dubai expects an increase in the number of arrests throughout the Gulf region. Football fans...

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Irresponsible lending Every expat knows the story. On any given workday you may receive upwards of five calls from loan and card agents aggressively trying to sell you credit . Westerners are used to banks being cautious when given loans and cards. In our general experience, if the bank thinks we can afford it, we can. The UAE has a different approach to lending. If you will accept the loan, then they will give it to you. Minimal questions are asked, and even less checks as to your ability to make the payments . They don’t need to lend responsibly because they can literally throw you in jail for an unlimited time for missing payments. Even those not jailed are given a travel ban. Meaning they can never leave Dubai until the debt is paid in full. Paradoxically they are not allowed to work in the UAE, because of the police case…. for the debt. If they can’t work, then how can they pay their debt? With rent needing to be paid a whole year in advance , expensive school fees and the other high financial outlays that come with life in the UAE, most expats give in to the pressure and accept the credit. Plans disrupted In general, expats borrow within their ability to meet the repayments. They know the dire consequences for non payment . But life can throw curveballs. People are made redundant, fall ill or their circumstances otherwise change, making payment difficult or impossible. In the West, debt victims would speak to their banks and work out a plan to restructure the loan. In the UAE they pack up quietly in the night and head for safety, fully intending to renegotiate but from outside of the “danger zone”. They want to pay, but without a metaphorical gun to their heads. Fury unleashed The banks at this point often shun all pretence of reasonable behaviour . They can refuse to negotiate, instead demanding immediate, full payment of the outstanding loan. They engage UAE based debt collection agents (DCAs) who can threaten, harass (you, your family, your new employers, and even your clients and customers) and make your life a misery . These DCAs even sometimes engage Interpol to chase unpaid loan or credit card debt. The aim is to have the debt victim arrested overseas or extradited back into the clutches of the UAE and jailed until a family member sells a property to pay the outstanding amount. The banks also employ ruthless UK based debt collection agencies , who are actually able to enforce loans that would sometimes not even have been approved in the UK, and apply laws that would not be permitted in our country; Such as a full 15 year statute of limitations, instead of the 6 allowed in the UK. What next? At this point you are treading a tightrope. Not engaging with, or ignoring the UAE creditors can enrage them and cause them to become more and more aggressive. On the other hand, trying to deal with them and show willingness can encourage them to think they have an easy target in their sights. They can turn up the heat, believing that their tactics are about to yield a payoff. Many UAE debt collectors work without a basic wage, and only get paid a percentage of whatever they can persuade a debtor to pay that month. If they think they “smell blood” they can intensify their efforts. Ignoring UK DCAs can allow them legal avenues to gain judgements by default. However, communicating with them opens you up to the possibility of inadvertently saying or doing something that can jeopardise your position legally. So what DO I do? Don’t talk to them, but don’t ignore them seems like contrary advice. To clarify: engagement is essential, but only if you have a solid understanding of the UAE debt universe and international debt law. Also (this is very important) you need nerves of steel. By this we mean, you need to be able to cope with stress and recognise when you are being emotionally manipulated, versus when the threats are real. Unless you have experience in this field it is infinitely better to get help and advice from people who do. Every case is different, so there is no “one size fits all” strategy that can be thrown at every UAE debt case. What you need to do is get your facts straight, including an approximate timeline of events, the amount of banks involved, the amount of total debt, and the amount of separate cards and loans involved. When you have the above information as accurately as you can muster, then get in touch with an organisation like ourselves at Detained in Dubai. We (or an organisation like us) can then help you determine the best path forward, estimate your best outcome and help you prepare to escape the situation with the minimal possible stress and damage to your finances, mental wellbeing, relationships, career and everything else affected by the situation. www.detainedindubai.org 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

How to end your UAE debt nightmare

Irresponsible lending Every expat knows the story. On any given workday you may receive upwards of five calls from loan and card agents...

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Living in the UAE inevitably comes with persistent offers for mortgages, loans and credit cards from profit hungry local banks and their commission salesmen. People who don’t even need finance are easily tempted by the ease of process. When circumstances change, however, expats can be left facing jail, a travel ban or even an Interpol Red Notice. The Dubai debt trap has caused no end of grief to families, some of whom have been separated for more than a decade as greedy banks lock them up and throw away the key. Radha Stirling founded Detained in Dubai in 2008 and has been helping expats defend against criminal and civil cases ever since. “With the UAE’s real estate sector aiming to make record transactions, it’s inevitable foreign nationals will run into trouble. Banks, utility companies, Landlord defaults and other small infractions have been responsible for more wrongful detentions than any other alleged crime”, explains Stirling. Detained in Dubai is the leading voice for financial reform in the Gulf. The organisation has dealt with billion dollar litigations, real estate and development frauds, bank impropriety and personal debts, offering professional services including legal representation, debt negotiation, Interpol prevention, Interpol Red Notice removal, civil litigation, fraud investigations and criminal defence. Stirling has more than 15 years experience providing commentary and advice to press, government and law enforcement, expert testimony in court and service to more than fifteen thousand victims of injustice. 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

Debt in Dubai - Press & Information Pack

Living in the UAE inevitably comes with persistent offers for mortgages, loans and credit cards from profit hungry local banks and their...

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Australian grandfather Joe Sarlak says he is the perfect example of why Qatar should not be hosting the World Cup. Joe Sarlak, 72, was in a squalid jail for more than two and a half years in the Middle Eastern country; And while he has now been cleared and released, ongoing legal proceedings - which his lawyers say are being filed purely to keep him in the country - mean he's banned from leaving. He is now a permanent hostage. Joe was used as a scapegoat by the Qatari royal who was his local sponsor. His sponsor had secretly looted Sarlak’s business to pay for his own financial obligations, leaving business cheques to bounce that would see Sarlak locked up for years in Doha’s disastrous desert prison. Middle East News: Amnesty International urge foreign minister to intervene in case of grandad Joe Sarlak jailed over bounced cheques Joe is now in complete limbo and spends his days in his single room. He told Chris Sweeney : “I don’t know if tomorrow I’ll be alive, I’ve got heart problems, high blood pressure, prostate problems, I’ve got one kidney and all the things you get in old age. I haven’t been to a hospital in three years to change my medication, I take 11 tablets a day and nobody can hear me, even with our own [Australian] embassy, sadly everything has become commerce. They just say if your health is OK, that’s all we can do. I asked them, ‘At least write to the foreign minister and ask what is happening with me, at least I would feel someone is looking over my shoulder, but even that doesn’t happen.” Sarlak explained: “That is what people should know, once you get here you are infidel to them as foreigners. It doesn’t matter if you have blue eyes or are a black fella from Africa, it’s the same, you are foreigners. “They are very good at the advertisements, everything is glossy and looks really pretty, but you’re walking on a razor blade edge. “If you go to see the lawyers or chartered accountants, of course they tell you a beautiful picture about the place, but it’s not so. “Qatar should not have the privilege of hosting the World Cup. In doing so, thousands of visitors are being put in danger”, concludes Sarlak. “It is unbelievable that 72 year old Joe is still being held as a hostage in Qatar. The country has stolen his life and his family fear he will die there, separated from them”, explains Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Doha , who has been advocating for Joe’s release. “It is disgraceful that the Australian government has not stepped up to diplomatically intervene and has not highlighted his plight during the months leading up to the World Cup. When abuses like this continue, allowing the World Cup to be hosted in Doha is an insult to the many human rights victims that the Qatari government continues to torture”. Related resources and articles: Amnesty International joins Detained in Dubai in effort to free Australian Jo Sarlak, held in Qatar Amnesty joins fight for Australian’s freedom Elderly Australian citizen Joseph Sarlak should have been home a long time ago. Instead, after being released from a virtual life sentence in Qatar after being scapegoated by local business partner, he remains behind bars in an overcrowded, filthy immigration jail in Doha. Sarlak suffers from a number of serious health conditions, and has already endured 3 years without proper medical care in prison. ‎ Gulf in Justice: New Gulf in Justice Podcast Episode - The Case of Joseph Sarlak, Australian jailed in Doha by Qatari royal In this new episode, Radha Stirling interviews for the first time, Australian national Joe Sarlak, who has been detained in Doha for many years after being used as a scapegoat by the Qatari royal who was his local sponsor. His sponsor had secretly looted Sarlak’s business Human rights campaigners ask Australian government to bring Joseph Sarlak home from Qatar prison | Daily Mail Online Human rights campaigners and the family of Australian building boss Joseph Sarlak are appealing to the Australian government to intervene to bring the grandfather home. 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

Australian hostage in Qatar - “Don’t come to World Cup”

Australian grandfather Joe Sarlak says he is the perfect example of why Qatar should not be hosting the World Cup. Joe Sarlak, 72, was in...

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