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MMA fighter 'Lightning Lee' Murray was prosecuted by proxy in the first ever case of outsourced justice by the United Kingdom. 16 July 2025 Lightning Lee: British MMA legend left to languish in Moroccan prison. Rights groups demand inquiry. London, UK – Legal advocacy organisations Due Process International and Detained in Dubai have called for an immediate Parliamentary Inquiry into the UK Government’s role in the foreign prosecution of British citizen Lee Murray, warning that the case sets a dangerous precedent for the outsourcing of British justice. Lee Murray, a dual British-Moroccan national, was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in a Moroccan prison for the 2006 Securitas robbery in Kent, a crime committed entirely on UK soil. Extradition to the UK was barred by Moroccan law, but rather than pursue domestic prosecution or accept legal limits, UK authorities coordinated with Moroccan prosecutors, supplying full case files, police intelligence, narrative and evidence to support a local conviction. “This is a clear-cut case of proxy prosecution,” according to Due Process International . “The UK Government bypassed its own courts, exported a British citizen’s trial to a foreign jurisdiction, and denied him the legal protections he would have received at home.” The Moroccan trial was fraught with due process violations, including a sentencing escalation from 10 to 25 years during an appeal in which defence counsel was not even present. Critically, the evidence presented by the UK was never independently investigated by Moroccan authorities. Instead, it was taken at face value, and Mr Murray was sentenced as though it were true that he was the "ringleader" of the operation, an allegation he adamantly denies. “This is a serious human rights concern,” said Radha Stirling. “We cannot allow people to be sentenced on the basis of hearsay alone, especially in what appears to be a politically charged prosecution that ultimately coincided with enhanced UK-Morocco diplomatic cooperation. If this was a quid pro quo conviction, it must be fully investigated.” Despite these issues, the UK Foreign Office initially misinformed both Parliament and Murray’s family by stating he had been convicted for drug offences, only later admitting the conviction was related to the UK robbery. “The UK has a duty not only to protect its citizens abroad, but to refrain from facilitating prosecutions that breach international human rights standards,” said Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai and CEO of Due Process International . “This is not just about one man, it’s about the UK setting a precedent that sidesteps its own justice system when politically convenient.” Stirling, an internationally recognised Interpol and extradition expert and human rights advocate, added: “This kind of extraterritorial pursuit is deeply troubling. When the UK, a democratic nation, enables prosecutions abroad based solely on unverified claims, it sends the wrong message globally. What would happen if countries like Saudi Arabia or China adopted the same tactic? Supporting weak or opaque judicial systems, such as Morocco’s, while bypassing the UK’s own due process standards, is not only irresponsible, it risks legitimising authoritarian practices under the guise of legal cooperation.” DPI ( Due Process International ) highlighted the following human rights concerns: UK orchestrated a foreign prosecution using UK evidence without extradition Trial violated fair trial norms, including absence of legal representation Evidence accepted without independent investigation; defendant sentenced as alleged ringleader Misleading information provided to MPs and the public No prisoner transfer permitted despite existing PTA Domestic remedies now exhausted in Morocco Due Process International and Detained in Dubai are urging MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Rights to launch a formal inquiry into: The UK’s role in facilitating the Moroccan prosecution Whether UK conduct violated its human rights obligations Whether this amounted to a quid pro quo tied to broader UK-Morocco diplomatic or trade agreements The implications for other British nationals abroad “Lee’s case is a litmus test,” Stirling added. “If the UK can engineer a prosecution abroad when extradition fails, it opens the door to future abuses, not just in Morocco, but globally.” Lee's children have called for clemency. They hope to be reunited with their father sooner than 2035. Stirling, who is actively assisting Lee Murray and his family through Due Process International, is also urging the UK Government to advocate for Mr Murray’s release, and to formally inform the Moroccan authorities that Britain would support a Presidential Pardon in light of the extraordinary circumstances. "Lee has now served the better part of two decades in prison, far longer than he likely would have served had he been prosecuted in the UK," she said. "He is suffering from worsening medical conditions and has expressed his wish to be reunited with his family, and to focus on building a positive and productive life. It is time for compassion, and for the UK to show leadership by righting this wrong." Radha Stirling - CEO at Due Process International - +44 7 309 114 195

'Lightning Lee' - Calls for Inquiry into MMA Fighter's 2.5 decade detention in Morocco

The UK Government’s role in the foreign prosecution of British citizen Lee Murray is a warning that the case sets a dangerous precedent for the outsourcing of British justice

BREAKING: Marcus Fakana Returns Home to the UK After Ordeal in Dubai

Detained in Dubai is delighted to confirm that Marcus Fakana returned safely to the United Kingdom on Thursday, the 3rd July, following his months-long prison ordeal in the United Arab Emirates.

Detention of Former INTERPOL Files Chief in Dubai Sparks Global Alarm Over Corruption and Immunity FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Detention of Former INTERPOL Files Chief in Dubai Sparks Global Alarm Over Corruption and Immunity Radha Stirling : “Pîrlog’s arrest exposes a system rotting from the top. INTERPOL must no longer be above the law.” 20 June 2025 — Dubai and Lyon The reported detention of Vitalie Pîrlog , former Chairman of INTERPOL’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF), in Dubai , has triggered renewed international alarm over structural corruption, political manipulation, and a dangerous lack of accountability within INTERPOL. Radha Stirling , Interpol expert and founder of IPEX (Interpol and Extradition Reform and Due Process International , says the arrest highlights a disturbing trend in which INTERPOL’s highest officials, those responsible for upholding justice, are themselves accused of abusing power for personal or political gain. “Vitalie Pîrlog was in charge of the very committee meant to prevent political persecution and wrongful Red Notices, ” Stirling said. “Now, he is suspected of selling access to that system. This is a betrayal not just of INTERPOL’s mission, but of every individual who has been victimised by the misuse of its tools.” Pîrlog’s alleged involvement in corrupt Red Notice deletions comes after several other high-level scandals. In 2018, INTERPOL President Meng Hongwei was detained and later imprisoned in China. In 2021, INTERPOL appointed Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi , a senior Emirati official accused of torture, as President, despite multiple criminal complaints filed against him across Europe. “Three top officials in just a few years, each linked to credible allegations of abuse, corruption, or human rights violations,” Stirling said. “INTERPOL has become a revolving door for authoritarians who view the organisation as a tool to consolidate power and settle scores.” Most concerning, Stirling notes, is that INTERPOL operates under sweeping immunity agreements, which shield the organisation and its staff from prosecution or civil litigation. “This is an institution with global policing powers and zero legal accountability,” she said. “Its decisions can destroy lives, yet no one can be held to account when those powers are abused.” Through her work at Due Process International and IPEX, Stirling has represented hundreds of clients who were wrongly targeted by INTERPOL Red Notices and Diffusions, often issued at the request of authoritarian regimes seeking to silence dissidents, harass businesspeople, or punish asylum seekers. “INTERPOL has become a tool for transnational repression, extortion, and persecution,” she said. “It is used by its member states not to combat crime, but to bully, harass and intimidate. And the global public has no remedy when that system fails.” IPEX and Due Process International are calling for the immediate lifting of INTERPOL’s global immunity, to allow for legal accountability and independent investigation of abuse. The organisations are also urging the creation of an external oversight body to review leadership appointments and safeguard against politically motivated misuse. “This is not just a problem with one official or one regime,” Stirling said. “It is a structural crisis. INTERPOL must be brought back under the rule of law. That starts with lifting its immunity and ending the culture of impunity.” Radha Stirling CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

Former INTERPOL Chief Detained in Dubai

"Vitalie Pîrlog was in charge of the very committee meant to prevent political persecution and wrongful Interpol Red Notices,” Radha Stirling said. “Now, he is suspected of selling access to that system. "

Press Release: Miami, Florida / London, UK 16 June 2025 Trey Songz’s bodyguard has surrendered to Dubai authorities to begin serving a one-year sentence following a disputed incident involving a bystander. As he enters prison, Cornell Whitfield has made a personal plea to President Donald Trump for urgent diplomatic intervention. Cornell Whitfield, an American celebrity bodyguard known for protecting R&B artist Trey Songz, has turned himself in to Dubai authorities this week to begin serving a one-year prison sentence. His incarceration comes nearly two years after a brief confrontation during which he shielded his client from an aggressive bystander, an act legal experts and supporters call a professional obligation now twisted into a criminal conviction. The incident occurred in early 2023, when Whitfield was escorting Trey Songz from a hotel to an event. A Jordanian man began shouting at the artist and aggressively approached them. As fans gathered to take photos, Whitfield calmly stepped in to de-escalate the situation and protect his client. The individual later accused Whitfield of slapping him, claiming hearing loss, allegations that were not supported by medical reports and contradicted by multiple accounts. Despite these inconsistencies, Whitfield was arrested in August 2023, charged, convicted, and ultimately had his appeal denied by the Court of Cassation in October 2024. “In Dubai”, explains expert witness Radha Stirling, “police will automatically prosecute complaints and whomever issues the first police complaint, is considered truthful. Hearsay evidence alone is sufficient to secure a conviction. Cornell was facing an uphill battle against a system that favours muslims and is prejudiced against foreigners, and especially those of colour. African-Americans have been repeatedly told by UAE law enforcement that ‘they’re not really American. They’re African and will be treated as such”. Following nearly two years of legal uncertainty and mounting personal hardship, Whitfield voluntarily surrendered to authorities this week. He is now in custody and expected to serve the remainder of the sentence under increasingly difficult conditions. In a letter, Whitfield made a personal appeal to former President Donald J. Trump for diplomatic intervention. “I have had extremely limited communication, inadequate legal representation, and the emotional toll on my family has been immense,” Whitfield wrote . “Your support would mean the world to me and my family.” His mother, Marysia Bryant Mike, says the ordeal has devastated their family. They have spent over $200,000 in legal and living expenses to support Whitfield, who has been without stable housing or access to medical care in recent months. Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai who has been assisting the family, condemned the prosecution as part of a larger pattern of abuse in the UAE legal system. “Cornell was doing his job. He didn’t attack anyone, he protected his client from a man who was acting inappropriately in a public space,” said Stirling . “But in the UAE, foreigners, especially those perceived as wealthy or connected to celebrities, are routinely targeted for financial compensation. False accusations are often followed by demands for large payouts, and the courts too often fail to protect foreign nationals.” Stirling says the UAE’s legal system has been weaponized to pressure foreigners into settlements under threat of prison. “This is a clear-cut case of injustice,” she said. “Cornell is out of legal options, and unless diplomatic pressure is applied, he will serve a year in prison for doing nothing wrong”. Cornell Whitfield expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support he's received from friends, family, and the public. “I want to thank everyone who’s stood by me during this nightmare,” he said. “Your love and prayers have kept me going through the darkest moments. Please continue to pray for my strength and safety, and help shine a light on the injustice I’m facing. I still believe that truth and justice will prevail.” Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai radha@detainedindubai.org Twitter - Facebook - Linkedin

BREAKING: Trey Songz’s Bodyguard JAILED in Dubai, Appeals to Trump for Help

Cornell Whitfield, an American celebrity bodyguard known for protecting R&B artist Trey Songz, has turned himself in to Dubai authorities this week

CBD Vape Arrest in Qatar: British Man Protected from Qatar INTERPOL Red Notice Notice British Man Spared INTERPOL Red Notice After Qatar Vape Arrest A British national never expected a simple online order to lead to arrest, imprisonment, and a looming international legal threat. While staying in Qatar, he purchased two clothing items and a CBD e-cigarette online. But when one clothing item was unavailable, the seller substituted five CBD vapes, without warning him that these products were illegal in Qatar, despite their widespread and visible use. He was jailed for 23 days before being released and allowed to return home to England. He believed the matter was over. It wasn’t. Months later, he learned that Qatari authorities had prosecuted him in absentia, sentencing him to three months in prison and a fine of around US$2,500. Shocked and alarmed, he feared the next step would be an INTERPOL Red Notice, a tool Qatar has notoriously misused in the past. One of the most well-known examples is the case of Scottish national Conor Howard , who was allowed to leave Qatar, only to be reported to INTERPOL later. He was arrested while on holiday in Greece and detained for four months awaiting extradition proceedings. Although he ultimately won his case, the ordeal inflicted serious harm on him and his family. “Conor’s case really stuck with my client,” said Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Doha and Due Process International. “He was blindsided by a Red Notice after being allowed to leave Qatar, exactly the kind of scenario we were determined to prevent.” He engaged Radha Stirling, an two decades long expert in the field and founder of IPEX (Interpol and Extradition) Reform who also represented Conor Howard. Stirling launched a preventative submission to INTERPOL. The goal was to block any potential Red Notice before it could be issued, highlighting Qatar’s history of abuse, the disproportionality of the charges, and the human rights concerns involved. The outcome was a clear success. The client was neither listed nor detained, and his ability to travel remains fully protected. “Travelling is massively important to me, and the ability to do so safely is a huge relief,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful to Radha for protecting my freedom. Her support has been invaluable.” Radha Stirling commented, “Qatar’s misuse of INTERPOL as a tool of retaliation is well-documented. Like in Conor Howard’s case, the aim is not extradition, but to cause disruption and distress. Our job is to stop that abuse before it starts and in this case, we did.” If you’re concerned about a potential Red Notice from Qatar or another Gulf country, contact us now for a confidential assessment. Acting early can mean the difference between freedom and detention. Radha Stirling , CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

Interpol prevention for British man prosecuted over Vapes in Qatar

British Man Spared INTERPOL Red Notice After Qatar Vape Arrest

UAE Extradites Sean McGovern in Image Makeover Attempt

Extradition expert Radha Stirling warns the Emirates remains a dangerous jurisdiction despite headline-grabbing extradition

$Dubai Media Office spending fortune on international public relations This week, Channel Nine’s Today Show has been broadcasting live from Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm . The series of segments is widely viewed as part of a broader UAE-led image campaign targeting Australian audiences. The program featured luxury lifestyle coverage, interviews with local representatives, and tourism promotions, all framed in an overwhelmingly positive light: Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai and founder of Due Process International has been assisting Australian citizens facing injustice and human rights abuses in the UAE for almost two decades. She persuaded Parliament to include provisions for human rights risks into the UAE-Australia Extradition Treaty when it was executed. Stirling says the broadcasts reflect a growing trend of state-curated messaging aimed at Western audiences, where media and influencer platforms are used to promote Dubai while omitting crucial facts about the country’s legal system and human rights record. “Dubai has clearly set its sights on Australia. We are seeing the UAE’s messaging appear in travel campaigns, property expos, and now mainstream television with little to no critical context,” Stirling said. “Segments like these are carefully orchestrated and approved at the government level. What viewers are seeing is not journalism, it is scripted public relations.” In one segment aired this week, Today Show host Jayne Azzopardi asked whether men and women are treated equally in the UAE. The guest replied, “Women are quite lucky,” a comment Stirling says obscures the realities faced by many women in the country. “The statement that women are ‘lucky’ in the UAE is more accurate than intended because any fair or respectful treatment is indeed a matter of luck,” Stirling explained. “The legal system still allows male guardianship, and women reporting assault or seeking custody of their children are often disadvantaged by default.” Stirling also rejected claims made during the segment that people in the UAE enjoy freedom of speech. “To suggest there is free speech in the UAE is laughable,” she said. “Criticising the government, its leaders, or even its weather can land you in prison. Social media posts, negative hotel reviews, and discussing high-profile cases like Princess Latifa have all resulted in arrests. The entire Today segment itself would have required prior government approval. This is not a country where open debate is allowed, it’s one of the most tightly controlled media environments in the world.” A man from Northern Ireland has been detained and faces the prospect of spending Christmas in another country after leaving a negative Google review. She warns that the image of Dubai as a modern, safe destination belies the risks tourists can face. Detained in Dubai has handled numerous cases involving Australians who have been detained or criminally prosecuted over minor infractions including social media posts, bounced cheques, or allegations arising from misunderstandings. Australian victims of rape, druggings and sexual assault have had to flee the UAE in fear of their lives and freedom. Australian businessmen have been targeted for their assets, businesses and wealth and thrown in jail so they can be looted by influential and state actors. “We have seen Australians jailed for offences that would not be crimes at all back home. Reporting a crime can lead to charges against the victim, and there is very little legal recourse once someone is caught in the system. A mere allegation is sufficient to have someone prosecuted and imprisoned and so it’s not simply a case of following the law. Anyone, however innocent, can land in jail”. Dubai’s media strategy has extended to investment expos across Australia, including recent property showcases in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, with upcoming events all over the country. These expos are marketed as opportunities for high-yield investments and long-term residency pathways such as the UAE Golden Visa. “There is serious money being invested into rebranding Dubai globally and Australia has become a priority market,” Stirling said. “That includes property roadshows, media sponsorships, and direct relationships with influencers and media producers. Foreign investors have lost hundreds of millions of dollars to Dubai’s property promises only to be duped by government owned property developers”. “Australian citizens deserve clear, balanced information, not promotional content repackaged as news. Without it, they are left unaware of the risks and too often we see people fall into dangerous legal situations they never anticipated.” Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai$

Dubai Sets Its Sights on Australia as Propaganda Push Reaches National Airwaves

Dubai has clearly set its sights on Australia. Segments like these are carefully orchestrated and approved at the government level. What viewers are seeing is not journalism, it is scripted public relations

NGO commends Trump, Rubio and JD Vance and says they hope "this marks fundamental change". US veteran and mother FREED from UAE after Trump and Rubio intervene After more than five years of wrongful detention in the United Arab Emirates, US Army veteran Robert Dobbs and his 80-year-old mother Betty have returned safely to Wisconsin, following direct intervention by former President Donald Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio. Robert Dobbs had been trapped in the UAE since a retaliatory civil case was filed against him by a British-run school in Sharjah, after he won a labour dispute over withheld end-of-service benefits. The school alleged unpaid tuition fees, and while Dobbs was unable to defend himself during COVID travel restrictions, a default judgment was issued. He became subject to a travel ban, lost his ability to work legally, and endured nearly 30 arrests over the course of five years. Despite repeated appeals to President Biden, Secretary Blinken, Vice President Harris and Senator Tammy Baldwin, Dobbs' plight remained unresolved. The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi acted after pressure from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after which UAE authorities stated they were under instructions from Rubio and President Trump to release Dobbs before the former president’s scheduled visit to the region. “I feel excited and vindicated,” Dobbs said. “My family are so happy. After five years of being wrongfully detained in the UAE, I’m finally free and fishing with my son. I’m deeply grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rubio for stepping in when no one else would.” Dobbs and his mother flew from Dubai to Rome, then to Chicago O’Hare, before arriving in Glendale, Wisconsin on 11 May 2025. In a formal statement, Dobbs expressed his appreciation for Trump and Rubio, while criticising the Biden administration for its failure to act. After recovering from his ordeal, Dobbs issued the following statement: “I am writing to express my profound gratitude for President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's instrumental role in securing the release of my mother, Betty Dobbs, and me from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their intervention has been nothing short of life-saving. After enduring over five years of wrongful detention, marked by fabricated legal claims and systemic neglect, we are finally returned home. We flew from Dubai to Rome, then to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and finally to Glendale, Wisconsin on May 11, 2025. Despite my unwavering support for President Donald Trump, I faced years of indifference from the Biden administration and Democratic leaders, including President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Senator Tammy Baldwin. Their refusal to assist left us stranded and vulnerable. President Donald Trump's decisive action has not only brought us home but also restored my faith in leadership that prioritizes its citizens. I owe President Donald Trump and his administration a debt of gratitude that words cannot fully express. I am eager to contribute in any capacity to support President Donald Trump. With deepest appreciation, Robert Dobbs” Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai and founder of Due Process International , has worked on the case since its beginning. Stirling said the intervention coming from the Trump administration has been “nothing short of impressive and should alleviate concerns over human rights in this sector from other organisations. Last year, Stirling thanked Vice President JD Vance for his direct involvement in helping her clients, Joseph and Joshua Lopez from Ohio. “We’re seeing a disturbing pattern where only high-level political pressure gets results,” Stirling said. “Without Rubio, Vance or Trump, these men would likely still be detained. The embassies are inconsistent with their support, unless instructed from Washington when suddenly miracles can happen. We do deal with some great people at the embassies but generally, they’ve been prioritising cushy relations with their UAE counterparts while largely ignoring human rights of US citizens. In some cases like that of Elizabeth De Los Santos, they actively discouraged the citizen from seeking outside assistance, while simultaneously being of little help. That only serves to preserve the reputation of the Emirates at the expense of the victim. We hope that with a new administration, we will see fundamental change at the ground level”. Stirling also addressed the broader political narrative around Trump and human rights. “Human rights organisations were quick to paint Trump as a danger to international law and a threat to Americans abroad. But the reality is, in multiple cases I’ve worked on, his administration acted faster and more effectively than those who’ve claimed the moral high ground,” she said. “When Trump chose to act, things moved. While the Biden administration failed to satisfactorily resolve Robert’s situation over several years, it was Trump and Rubio who ultimately stepped in and made his freedom possible. Politics matter in these cases because leadership decisions determine whether someone gets home or remains trapped.” Stirling continues to advocate for structural reform in diplomatic response systems so that families are not forced to rely on political intervention just to achieve basic justice. In recent years, Detained in Dubai has seen a sharp increase in the number of Americans facing legal problems in Dubai. As UAE authorities aggressively market the country to US citizens through tourism, influencer campaigns and investment incentives, more people are being lured into a system they do not understand. Beneath the surface appeal of luxury and opportunity, Dubai’s legal environment poses serious risks. What may be considered a minor civil dispute or non-criminal matter in the United States can result in detention, travel bans and years of hardship in the Emirates. The case of Robert Dobbs is a clear example of how easily Americans can become trapped, and how heavily they must rely on external assistance to secure their release. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai

US veteran and mother FREED from UAE after Trump and Rubio intervene

After more than five years of wrongful detention in the United Arab Emirates, US Army veteran Robert Dobbs and his 80-year-old mother Betty have returned safely to Wisconsin, following direct intervention by former President Donald Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio.

Influencer Academy to help cover up Dubai safety risks Dubai’s launch of a government-funded Influencer Academy is being criticised as a desperate attempt to mask the country’s repressive legal system and human rights abuses behind a manufactured image of glamour and safety. The UAE’s plan to pay Western influencers to promote the country has been condemned by Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai and CEO of Due Process International , who warns that the campaign is built on censorship, state-controlled media and outright deception. “Dubai’s marketing office offers lie upon lie. They tell the world it is safe for solo female travellers, that it is a modern, tolerant country, but behind the curtain is an authoritarian system where tourists can be jailed on a whim,” said Stirling . “This Influencer Academy is just the latest attempt to whitewash a regime that jails people for Facebook posts and punishes victims of crime.” The UAE’s media is state-controlled, crime statistics are censored, and victims of abuse are often silenced through pay-offs or threats. Stirling says the influencers being trained are unlikely to mention that leaving a negative TripAdvisor review could land you in prison, or that false accusations and hearsay are enough to get someone detained and convicted. “We have handled cases of beatings and torture in custody, wrongful arrests, and years-long detentions over flimsy or fabricated claims. Influencers might be able to pull strings to get out of trouble, some of them, but what about the everyday traveller who cannot?” she asked. “The UAE has to spend big to whitewash the country. That alone should ring alarm bells. It is not a campaign to promote tourism; it is a campaign to cover up the truth similar to what we saw during the Princess Latifa saga.” Stirling is calling for upgraded travel warnings, increased media scrutiny, and clear, visible alerts from airlines, travel companies and tourism boards. “Governments must take a firmer stand. Tourists deserve transparency, not TikToks selling them a fantasy. Before the next arrest goes viral, we need serious warnings in place, not propaganda dressed up as lifestyle content.” Detained in Dubai has long warned that the UAE's legal system lacks due process, disproportionately targets foreigners, and is riddled with corruption and coercion. The Influencer Academy, they argue, is just the newest layer in a slickly produced facade. Radha Stirling CEO and Founder Detained in Dubai and Due Process International

“Dubai’s Paid Influencer Army is a Facade” – Stirling Calls for Upgraded Travel Warnings Amid Propaganda Push

Stirling says the influencers being trained are unlikely to mention that leaving a negative TripAdvisor review could land you in prison

Virgil Griffith Freed, But UK Citizen Still Targeted: Calls to Drop Emms Case Grow

British citizen Chris Emms remains effectively exiled under an Interpol Red Notice, still facing charges under the same legal theory, despite never being a U.S. person, having no ties to the United States, and playing no role involving U.S. entities or jurisdiction.

Relief for Canadian family as man sentenced to LIFE in prison is released from Dubai Mississauga, ON – Maurice Kevin O’Rourke, the 64-year-old Canadian who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Arab Emirates for possessing medical cannabis to manage his Addison’s disease, has been freed following an appeal and has returned safely home. His release comes after a months-long campaign led by Radha Stirling , founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai . O’Rourke received his final judgment on 26 February 2025 and was released shortly thereafter, arriving home in Canada on the 1st of March . Although originally handed a life sentence, the court reduced the punishment to a 10,000 AED fine , which was deemed paid by time served. He was not deported, but did pay a visa overstay fine before departing the UAE. His wife Pamela thanked Stirling, “He received his judgement on Feb 26, was released and was home on March 1. Since he got home, he has been working on regaining his health, which continues to be a struggle after 8 months of not receiving the proper medication. I still find it hard to understand, but after so much uncertainty, fear and anxiety, we are quietly enjoying being home and just regrouping." “Thank you once again Radha”. Radha Stirling, who has worked with the Canadian government on multiple cases, including that of André Gauthier , who faced nearly 70 criminal charges before being freed, called the result a success: “Kevin was undoubtedly handed an effective death sentence. We are very happy to have helped him return safely home to Canada.” Stirling took the opportunity to issue a broader warning to travellers: “People need to realise they can face lengthy imprisonment in the UAE simply for possessing common pharmaceutical or prescription medications. Travellers must be cautious and aware of the laws in their transit and destination countries.” She encouraged travellers to download the Detained in Dubai emergency help app and contact the organisation immediately if facing any legal difficulty: “Swift intervention is the key. Contacting us early and getting our legal team working on your case can completely change the outcome. If you’ve visited Dubai before, take our risk assessment quiz to see if you have a high likelihood of facing arrest. Many of the cases we have helped in could have been prevented if the traveller had checked their status in advance”. The case of Maurice Kevin O’Rourke has underscored the life-altering consequences that travellers can face under UAE law and the critical importance of early legal intervention. Radha Stirling , founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai . For full contact details please click here .

Canadian man’s Dubai life sentence is overturned and he arrives safely home

Maurice O’Rourke imprisoned in UAE for possessing medical cannabis, home in Canada after campaign by Radha Stirling CEO of Detained in Dubai

Is Uzbekistan safe for investment? 26 March 2025 In a recent article published by Modern Diplomacy , human rights advocate Radha Stirling sheds light on the intricate challenges facing Uzbekistan's judiciary and governance. Her insights reveal a nation at a pivotal crossroads, grappling with internal reforms and external pressures that could shape its future trajectory. Unveiling Systemic Judicial Issues Stirling draws attention to specific cases that highlight deep-seated problems within Uzbekistan's judicial system. She references the trial of Shukhrat Rasulov and Javlon Yunusov, accused in an alleged assassination attempt on businessman Komil Allamjonov. Both defendants claimed their confessions were extracted under severe duress, implicating agencies like the State Security Service (SGB) and the Prosecutor’s Office in harsh interrogation methods and potential fabrication of charges. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive judicial reforms to ensure fairness and transparency. The Geopolitical Implications Beyond domestic concerns, Stirling emphasizes the broader geopolitical ramifications of Uzbekistan's internal challenges. She warns that persistent judicial corruption and political interference could compromise the nation's sovereignty, making it susceptible to external influences from powers like Russia, China, and Turkey. This perspective aligns with geopolitical theories suggesting that internal instability in pivotal regions can invite external domination, underscoring the strategic importance of robust governance. Potential International Repercussions Stirling also highlights the looming threat of international sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, which targets officials implicated in human rights abuses and corruption. She notes that Uzbekistan has already seen individuals, including Gulnara Karimova, daughter of former President Islam Karimov, added to the Magnitsky list. The recent inclusion of three former Uzbek officials accused of abuses further amplifies concerns. Such sanctions not only tarnish the nation's global image but also pose economic and diplomatic challenges. A Call for Comprehensive Reform Stirling's analysis serves as a clarion call for Uzbekistan to undertake holistic reforms. Addressing judicial shortcomings, combating corruption, and ensuring political accountability are imperative steps. These measures are not just about internal stability but are crucial for maintaining Uzbekistan's strategic autonomy and reinforcing its role as a key player in Central Asia. In conclusion, Radha Stirling's insights provide a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges Uzbekistan faces. Her emphasis on the interplay between internal governance and external pressures offers a roadmap for the nation to navigate its current predicaments and emerge stronger on the global stage. Radha Stirling , CEO of Due Process International

Radha Stirling on Uzbekistan: Justice, Power Struggles, and the Fight for Sovereignty

Human rights advocate Radha Stirling sheds light on the intricate challenges facing Uzbekistan's judiciary and governance