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Rising Use of UAE Laws by Ex-Spouses to Target Partners

Lee Andrews’ Highlights Brutal Conditions and the Hidden Punishment After “Release”

“Lee Andrews’ complaint about prison conditions echoes what we hear repeatedly. Our client Albert Douglas has just spoken publicly about being beaten, tortured and left with broken bones while imprisoned in the UAE. These are not isolated incidents.”

He’s not giving up. "Justice must be served". Albert Douglas and son Wolfgang on GB News. A 63 year old London grandfather returned home after years in hellish Dubai prison where he was beaten, tortured and subjected to egregious human rights abuses. The successful entrepreneur was released after an intense campaign led by his son, Wolfgang Douglas, and Radha Stirling , the founder of Detained in Dubai . “In parallel with an intensive campaign to free this innocent grandfather, we applied to the United Nations Working Group for Arbitrary Detentions (UNWGAD). After reviewing all the evidence and testimony, they communicated with the UAE and ultimately ruled Albert had been arbitrarily detained”, reports Ms Stirling who also advanced Princess Latifa’s case before the United Nations in Geneva. “It’s an astonishing ruling. It basically means one of our biggest trade partners took one of our citizens and, despite his innocence, locked him up for years, beat him, broke his bones, kicked his head in, stole his money, assets and businesses then spat him out back to the UK and expects to just get away with it much like Saudi Arabia did after Khashoggi.”
Albert is determined not to let that happen. He knows British citizens have died in custody, that they’ve been beaten, broken, electrocuted and violated and that this cannot be allowed to continue. “Albert wants to make sure the UAE is held to account and that the failings of the FCDO and the UK government are brought to light”, says Stirling who was relieved to celebrate Albert’s return at Christmas.
“We are working to get justice for Albert. He has suffered greatly and we can not just allow it to continue”. Albert was wrongfully accused of bouncing cheques that didn’t even belong to him. The charges were fabricated so his companies, which were doing very well, could be looted. His family was threatened and he and his son’s reputations were viciously shattered by the false claims and prolonged period of arbitrary detention from which he will never fully recover. “It is a plain and simple case”, says Stirling, “Albert and his son Wolfgang were targeted because of their success. I’ve said it for decades, success makes you vulnerable in Dubai. If someone wants to steal your assets and money, all they need to do is make a complaint at a police station. Due to the lack of judicial process and entrenched corruption within law enforcement, that is often all that is required. The UN has now cleared Albert and his son but it’s not enough. They are seeking real accountability.”
Stirling is pursuing a resolution with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and assisting Mr Douglas in the preparation of criminal, civil and regulatory complaints. Albert spoke to GB News about the suffering he experienced at the hands of authorities that were supposed to protect him. ‘I want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else and to do that, I know I need to take it further than anyone else ever has”, Albert conveyed today. “I can not turn a blind eye like the British government has. Whenever I see an advertisement targeting entrepreneurs, business owners and skilled professionals, I can not just turn away. What if they are next? Our government failed to warn me and, even after learning every detail of my torture, continues to refuse to warn citizens now. Albert Douglas feels a sense of responsibility to ensure this doesn’t happen to any other British family (image: The Sun ) “I will be calling on the government for their assistance in diplomatically pursuing the UN’s remedial recommendations, including compensation. I am reviewing and preparing lawsuits and criminal complaints with my legal team. What we have been through is utter hell and I refuse to just cower and let it happen to others”. Stirling says there is precedent for the UK government pursuing other countries following arbitrary detention and torture. “The UK has previously negotiated and sought settlements following arbitrary detention and torture cases, especially in the Middle East. I hope the current administration sees the importance of ensuring accountability before we see another death in custody”. Wolfgang Douglas, who was at the forefront of his father's campaign, said “The fight was considered impossible by most legal experts. As with many examples of financial entrapment, the UAE blocks and silences its victims to the point they are rendered incapable of defending themselves against a barrage of manipulated and triggering accusations. This in turn allows the UAE to evade accountability for its draconian so called legal process.” Wolfgang is supporting his father’s determination to hold to account those in power who mistreated his family in such a brutal and devastating way. Radha Stirling
CEO at Detained in Dubai +44 7 309 114 195

Tortured London Grandfather Pursues UAE

A 63 year old London grandfather returned home after years in hellish Dubai prison where he was beaten, tortured and subjected to egregious human rights abuses. The successful entrepreneur was released after an intense campaign led by his son, Wolfgang Douglas, and Radha Stirling, the founder of Detained in Dubai.

18 Years Fighting Injustice: Detained in Dubai's Unbreakable Legacy

Human Rights Leader Radha Stirling reflects on 18 years on service Detained in Dubai celebrates EIGHTEEN years of incredible work! Wow! Detained in Dubai is now 18 years old and has helped more than twenty five thousand people over its nearly two decades of operation. “It’s hard to believe it was 18 years ago that my friend and colleague was arrested in Dubai. It almost feels like yesterday”, reflects Detained in Dubai founder Radha Stirling . “I am endlessly grateful that I was able to...

Detained in Dubai 'grateful' so many home for Christmas

Radha Stirling expresses her condolences to Marcus Fakana's family and her gratitude that so many have returned safely for Christmas this year.

$Albert Douglas and Granddaughter, Radha Stirling, CEO Detained in Dubai London, UK: Tortured British Grandfather FREED from Dubai jail and Home for Christmas 63 year old tortured grandfather, Albert Douglas , arrives home for Christmas after 4 years in a brutal Dubai jail that left him with broken bones and head injuries. Detained in Dubai brought his case before Parliament, the FCDO and the United Nations. The UN ruled he had been arbitrarily detained for over 4 years and that he should be released and compensated. London grandfather Albert Douglas was arrested on 17 December 2021 , then beaten and tortured by Emirati prison guards. He suffered serious injuries, including multiple fractures and broken bones. His ordeal has finally come to an end after four hellish years, from which he will never fully recover physically, emotionally, or financially. Radha Stirling , the founder of Detained in Dubai announced the news on X. She is relieved Mr Douglas is finally safe. “Albert arrived safely home to London on Friday the 19th of December, ending four years of arbitrary detention and abuse . During those four years, his case had been raised in Parliament, discussed by Prime Minister Liz Truss, MP’s and members of the House of Lords while simultaneously being neglected by the FCDO . UNITED NATIONS “I brought his case before the United Nations Working Group for Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) which, after a lengthy and complex investigation, deemed Mr Douglas had indeed been arbitrarily detained and that he should be released and compensated by the UAE. His case was further referred to the Special Rapporteur on Torture . Dubai then decided to finally release Albert Douglas who had been turned into a financial hostage. “I am extremely pleased to have spoken with Albert on his arrival in London on Friday. I have come to know Albert and his family well over the years. He is the sweetest, most caring gentleman and he did not deserve this hell. He and his family are overjoyed to reunite and I couldn’t be more pleased. Had it not been for the ongoing interventions and our lobbying, I have absolutely no doubt that Albert would have been detained indefinitely and would certainly die in prison. There were times when we doubted they would let him out alive. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved and a truly great relief to have him home”. SUCCESS MAKES YOU A TARGET Albert was a successful entrepreneur and Dubai expat and that made him a target according to Ms Stirling who testified that "success makes you a target” in the UAE. “A mere allegation is sufficient to put you in jail and extortion is commonplace” . Detained in Dubai has helped in over 25000 cases spanning two decades. “Individuals who know how to work the system will make false complaints against high net worth targets then demand money to drop the case. This is exactly what happened to Albert Douglas. His Dubai assets were frozen and seized and his family were told to pay up if they wanted him home. He was extorted. TORTURE “It’s important to recognise that Albert was detained, beaten and tortured over a false and easily disproved allegation and that this could happen to anyone. Doing business in Dubai puts entrepreneurs at great risk but the FCDO’s warnings are completely insufficient and when Brits become targets, the government is reluctant to help. They don’t want to upset their trade deals and foreign investment. It’s outrageous, especially when we have innocent people like Albert treated like human garbage. It’s almost unbearable to imagine what Albert has been through. I’ve seen the US, Canadian and Irish governments get involved and help their citizens facing extreme injustices but the British government has been ostensibly unwilling, especially with the new administration. RISKS TO ENTREPRENEURS “Albert has been through so much and the truth of what happened to him should disturb every entrepreneur, influencer, businessman and celebrity who are the targets of a mass media campaign by the UAE to attract them. Dubai claims it is a safe, free and modern society but it wasn’t safe for Albert Douglas and it hasn’t been safe for the thousands of others we have helped over the years. They don’t want you to know the truth and nor do most governments”. Stirling confirms the United Nations has essentially exonerated Albert Douglas and his entire family and suggested he be compensated by the UAE government, but Stirling says “no amount of money can take away the physical abuse and the life altering emotional trauma that has affected the whole family. FCDO INQUIRY “It is time for an inquiry into why the FCDO is failing in their duty of care to warn and to protect British citizens, and what the government is doing to ensure British citizens are no longer subject to human rights abuses and torture in the prisons of our allies. Albert Douglas is not the first British citizen to be tortured at the hands of our allies but we absolutely need to make sure he is the last. Albert was very nearly another fatality and if immediate changes are not made, there will be more blood on their hands”. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai +44 7 309 114 195$

British Grandfather FREED from Dubai - Home for Christmas

London, UK: Tortured British Grandfather FREED from Dubai jail and Home for Christmas

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

Tortured Grandfather to be freed from Dubai jail after UN ruling

United Nations Rules UAE must free and compensate British Grandfather beaten and tortured in Dubai prison

Digital ID will hand authoritarian regimes an unprecedented weapon

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

Marcus Fakana Dies in Fatal Car Accident After Regaining His Freedom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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