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Billy Hood BEATEN by UAE prison guards during Prince William “official” visit During an official diplomatic visit between Prince William and UAE diplomats to discuss “sustainability” , Emirati authorities violently attacked British national Billy Hood, who was sentenced to ten years in prison for “unintentionally possessing” the CBD vape oil, accidentally left in his car by a visiting friend. The beating comes after his lawyers advised that his appeal to overturn his 10 year sentence was denied . Billy’s family are distraught! Today: Abu Dhabi prison shakes as prisoners on frontline of drone strike . Last week, the UK government escalated concerns respecting the beating and torture of British grandfather, Albert Douglas, who suffered broken bones and requires multiple surgeries from his injuries . The message does not appear to be sinking in. “UK’s Top Diplomatic Priority” - UAE’s Torture of British Citizen, Albert Douglas Billy Hood was isolated in a tiny cell that could fit only a mattress. After several days, he hit the wall in frustration. In a shocking display, four prison guards opened his cell and repeatedly beat him, causing him to bleed. The young football coach was previously beaten and tasered and forced to confess. Despite raising this with the FCDO, he is still being beaten and subjected to human rights violations. What does this say about UK-UAE relations? Who holds the upper hand? Billy’s brother Alex Hood, is angered by the assault and the lack of action from the Foreign Office to prevent such beatings ever happening in the first place. “I am disgusted that the UK would ever allow this to happen to a British citizen and that they have not already intervened. This is not the first time he has been assaulted while in custody and over what? CBD oil that the court accepted, was not even his. In accepting this kind of treatment and just ‘raising concerns’ without any actual consequence, the UK is essentially sanctioning these abuses again and again. British MP’s have called for sanctions and travel warnings and this is exactly what is needed to finally end this mediaeval treatment ”. “It is abhorrent and truly shocking that the United Arab Emirates, our ally, has refused to cease the mistreatment, abuse and torture of British citizens”, said Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai . “The Emirates have falsely portrayed themselves to Britain as a tolerant, modern and safe society with programmes like the BBC’s “Playground of the Rich” while simultaneously violently assaulting vulnerable citizens like grandfather Albert Douglas and young Billy Hood, both of whom have been unfairly detained. “Members of the concerned public and rights groups have criticised Prince William following the EU’s recent boycotting of Dubai’s expo , but the contempt is far greater than thought when we have our own citizens being literally beaten up during his meetings”. Lawyers have advised Billy that his appeal to overturn the ten year sentence has been denied, though the court did not hear arguments or evidence and Billy never appeared in court. Billy’s mother Breda has called on Prince William to promote human rights in the UAE and escalate these issues to Ambassador Moody and UAE diplomats, “I implore Prince William to help my son, the other British nationals in prison and future visitors. If nothing is done to help Billy, how can we ever say the UAE is safe for Brits? Can you imagine how you would feel if you found out your helpless son was beaten in a foreign jail? I’m worried the next time they hit him, he could die from a brain haemorrhage like young Lee Bradley Brown . How can the UK stand by, let this happen and then go and shake the hands of the people who are responsible for it? “My son is in jail for something he didn’t do. He shouldn’t even be there. I can’t understand how this has been allowed to happen. He’s being beaten in a foreign jail because his friend left CBD oil in his car. What kind of a system is this? I want to be sick when I see shows and advertisements promoting Dubai. I’m disgusting to see Prince William being treated respectfully when they are clearly disrespecting him by torturing his people. “We are angry that Billy is still in jail and angry that any British national can be beaten without consequence. We won’t stand for it. We won’t be bullied and we will escalate this to the highest authorities. “I’m warning all British citizens, do NOT go to Dubai. This could easily happen to you and following the ‘law’ will not protect you.” Detained in Dubai has called for urgent meetings with the Foreign Secretary, Felicity Buchan MP and the Foreign Office. A complaint for both Billy Hood and Albert Douglas will be filed with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. “Baroness Whitaker and other MP’s have called for sanctions and travel warnings”, added Ms Stirling, “Unfair detention and human rights violations must be dealt with by foreign governments and it is time that the UAE was held to account for the ongoing abuse of individuals in detention”. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

Billy Hood BEATEN by UAE prison guards during Prince William “official” visit

Billy Hood BEATEN by UAE prison guards during Prince William “official” visit During an official diplomatic visit between Prince William...

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“UK’s Top Diplomatic Priority” - UAE’s Torture of British Citizen, Albert Douglas The British Government now consider tortured Brit Albert Douglas’s case the “top diplomatic priority”, while Emirati diplomats ask if Douglas wants “justice”. British grandfather, Albert Douglas , was beaten, tortured and subjected to human rights abuses while in UAE custody, arrested over a cheque the prosecutor has now confirmed, he did not write. “Albert was a typical British entrepreneur expat, singing the UAE’s praises while he soaked up the sun. He never believed that he would be a party to the gruelling diplomatic meetings that took place last week” , reported Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai who has spearheaded the campaign to free him. The case of Albert Douglas has been raised to the highest levels of the British government. It’s been raised on the floor of Parliament several times and calls have been made by Baroness Whitaker and Andy Slaughter, MP for sanctions over his treatment . Progress has been made by Kensington MP Felicity Buchan, the new Foreign Secretary, Lizz Truss and Ambassador Moody in the UAE. British grandfather jailed in Dubai for crimes he claims he didn’t commit “After the death of Lee Bradley Brown in police custody and the torture of Matthew Hedges, the British government had hoped the UAE would cease brutality against citizens in detention, but there has been a history of trade and security interests being prioritised by both governments which has left individuals at risk of continued abuse”, added Stirling. “With so much support, we hope that Dubai will release Albert Douglas imminently and that he will be returned to England where he can complete his surgeries under the care of his own health system and family. “It is near impossible for the UAE to create the image of safety and modernity while Albert remains in detention. The European Parliament just boycotted Dubai’s expo over human rights concerns and there is an increasing opposition coming from the UK and US. It’s important that the UAE free Albert immediately and allow him to return to the UK. Anything less will be seen as the UAE supporting the torture and abuse of prisoners, and will raise alarm that innocent visitors could be beaten or even killed because they have chosen to take a holiday in or invest in Dubai”. BBC’s ‘Inside Dubai: Playground of the Rich’ will lead to human rights violation Stirling has called for assurances that this treatment will not be tolerated in the UAE. The Meeting A meeting was held between Dubai authorities, a silent member of the newly formed UAE human rights institute and Mr Douglas. “The public prosecutor held a four hour meeting with my father”, said Albert’s son Wolfgang Douglas, “it was held to establish the details of the human rights violations, torture and beatings that had taken place. My father gave detailed evidence about what happened, the circumstances, the officers involved and the events that led to his multiple and substantial injuries. It wasn’t easy for him. He was hauled out of his cell with zero notice to vividly describe the traumatic events without any support. “He told the Prosecutor how he was beaten to the point of losing consciousness, punched, kicked and stamped on while in custody. He was made to suffer great humiliation, water and sleep deprivation and many other forms of violations. A very long and detailed report was taken. My father confirmed the beatings caused lasting damage to his head, back, hands and shoulder resulting in permanent disability and numerous surgeries. He will have to live with such disabilities for the rest of his life. “The officer appeared to be horrified by the reality of the situation after hearing and seeing it first hand. “The officer advised him that an MIR scan would not be possible because of the metal bolts, pins and plates already fitted in his broken shoulder. My father complained that he had been neglected, deprived of medical care and attention following the incident and just left in pain in the prison for all this time. Now they have to re-break his bones to mend them properly. He should not have to go through this, especially in the presence of those he holds responsible. “They learned about his blackouts, showing them injuries where he had fallen. His blackouts started when he was kicked on the head and punched to the floor from behind. He was bleeding from his ears and expected brain swelling and trauma to cause serious damage. “My father explained that his broken bones in his hands have set all crooked and painful, and he dreads any further operations after his last experience under the knife with the Dubai prison’s doctors. He was left without his medications and pain relief. Brit millionaire in Dubai jail ‘forced to drink from toilet' over bounced cheque “The prosecutor learned that the three perpetrators threatened Albert, threatening to harm him if he went public. He has been living in pain and in fear since the incident. The UAE have provided him no safety after wrongfully detaining an innocent man over a cheque he didn’t write. “ He made sure to tell them of Dubai’s prison guards trying to force him to confess, to make propaganda videos under duress saying that he is being treated well. They wanted him to confess to writing the same cheque that Dubai’s own experts have now proved was not his. It’s unimaginable.” Accountability Dubai Public Prosecution assured the British government and Albert Douglas that they will ‘take action’ against the officers involved in his assault. Authorities acknowledged that Mr Douglas had been subjected to terrible injustice, human rights violations and the abuse of power by authorities in Al Ain prison and at one point in the meeting, the prosecutor “held is head in his hands”. Torture in the Emirates But is this response genuine? Radha Stirling says “Albert’s abuse was raised directly to Dubai authorities almost a year ago but they continued to deprive him of treatment and medication while assuring the British government of the opposite. It appears to be only recently and with the escalating pressure from the media, coupled with the family’s lobbying at luxury property events and the UK government’s interference, that Dubai is finally beginning to see the seriousness of what has happened. “The Inquest into Lee Bradley Brown’s death is taking place this year. The European Parliament boycotted the Dubai Expo and rights groups have criticised the Emirates over multiple violations, but the Emirates have managed to circumvent accountability with donations, influence and the threat of growing alliances with not so friendly nations . The UAE is looking to recover its economy, attract entrepreneurs, expats and investment with glamorous new television shows, new real estate options, easy residency visas and even avenues to a second citizenship. “With a newly formed Human Rights Institute, let’s hope it’s not just for show. Dubai authorities and ruler Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum have the power to intervene in Albert’s case and help the grandfather home. While he remains in prison, there is no accountability. All rulers should then issue explicit instructions to guards on the treatment of prisoners. A clemency request has been submitted by the Foreign Office but the family hopes that, given the circumstances, his case will be considered early. “We are pleased to be notified that the British government considers this their “top diplomatic priority” effectively putting all other diplomatic and allied agreements on the backburner until there is a solution. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the public, the media and the British governments in resolving Albert’s case and making the UAE a safer place for visitors in the future”. Albert Douglas, wrongfully detained in Dubai and subject to grave human rights abuses within the UAE prison system. #FreeAlbert is a campaign solely dedicated to getting Albert home and ending torture in the Emirates. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

“UK’s Top Diplomatic Priority” - UAE’s Torture of British Citizen, Albert Douglas

“UK’s Top Diplomatic Priority” - UAE’s Torture of British Citizen, Albert Douglas The British Government now consider tortured Brit...

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Ryan Cornelius is locked in Dubai jail over banking fraud, his wife says he has been condemned to die behind bars because he cannot repay millions demanded by Emirati state Ryan Cornelius has spent 13 years in a Dubai cell with five other inmates He may have to serve 18 more years because he cannot repay millions of pounds His wife Heather says the Foreign Office has abandoned them A British property developer has effectively been condemned to die behind bars in Dubai, says his distraught wife, so that senior figures in the Emirati state can seize control of his assets, including a lavish city-centre polo resort. Heather Cornelius says her husband Ryan has already spent 13 years in a cell the size of a shipping container with five other inmates following a minor banking fraud. But her husband, now in ill-health, must spend a further 18 years in jail because he cannot repay millions of pounds demanded by the Dubai authorities. The Foreign Office, she says, has abandoned them. Cornelius's Kafkaesque ordeal has been condemned by supporters demanding his release, including senior peer Lord Clement-Jones and Bill Browder, the London-based financier and campaigner. Browder, who helped bring about the Magnitsky laws imposing international sanctions, including travel bans, on corrupt government officials, described the 31-year sentence as 'an unbelievable miscarriage of justice'. Speaking in a parliamentary debate last year, liberal Democrat peer Lord Clement-Jones, described the case as corruption of the highest order. Radha Stirling interviews with BBC on Ryan Cornelius with Lord Clement-Jones 'Ryan has no assets left,' he told The Mail on Sunday last week. Half a billion pounds has been taken away by using the Dubai courts – and his freedom. 'Effectively a British citizen has been allowed to rot in jail. This is absolutely unacceptable.' Cornelius's wife, Heather has been reluctant to speak out but is now doing so out of desperation. She says the British government is doing next to nothing to help despite his treatment by the Dubai regime, which kept him hooded in solitary confinement for ten days following his arrest – and, she says, would later extend his sentence by 20 years behind closed doors with no trial and no lawyers present. Cornelius, 67, is now due to be set free when he is 85 years old, but Heather believes he could die in the Dubai's Central Prison – particularly if the authorities produce a further unexpected charge against him. 'I believe they are determined to keep my husband in jail until he dies,' Heather told The Mail on Sunday. 'Perhaps they are afraid that Ryan will tell the truth about the theft of his assets. There is no other explanation. 'I am terrified that he will pass away behind bars and that I will never get to see my husband again.' Supporters of Cornelius believe he is the victim of a plot orchestrated at the highest level in Dubai by Mohammed al-Shaibani, a figure close to the Sheikh. Al-Shaibani, who has been accused of being the perpetrator, in the House of Lords, has already been implicated in the brutal abductions of the Sheikh's daughters, Princesses Shamsa and Latifa when they attempted to flee Dubai in 2000 and 2018. Lawyers acting for Cornelius plan to petition the British and American government to impose asset freezes and travel bans on senior figures in the Dubai regime in protest at Mr Cornelius's case in the coming weeks. Dubai is already under fire for the treatment of foreign nationals caught up in its labyrinthine legal system while the Sheikh is also scrutiny for the mistreatment of his former wife, Princess Haya. Officially, Cornelius stands convicted of fraud over a £372million loan he received from Dubai Islamic Bank to fund an upmarket 20million square foot polo development . In the eyes of most Western observers, the property developer was guilty of no more than a minor financial infraction. He had kept up with every repayment until his arrest. Heather says the nightmare began in 2008 when Ryan was arrested by three plain-clothes policemen at Dubai airport during a stopover. The officers seized his phone, bound his hands with zip-ties and took him to police headquarters where they put a hood over his head and held him in solitary confinement with no access to his family, the embassy or a lawyer. It was ten days before she heard from her husband, recalls Heather. Dubai police interrogated Mr Cornelius for hours in a padded, windowless room. They thrust invoices at him and demanded to know about the loan he had received from the Dubai Islamic Bank, which he had improperly funnelled into developing the Plantation. The spectacular resort was to be a 200-room hotel in the heart of Dubai with 110 luxury villas attached. It would boast world class equestrian facilities including hundreds of stables staffed by professional polo players and show jumpers, two polo fields, an indoor arena, a health club and a private member's club with bars and restaurants. Cornelius was baffled, said his wife. Yes, the polo venture carried more risk than had been technically agreed and was not an authorised use of the loan. But he was able to point out that, with his business partners, he had subsequently disclosed this to the bank, entered into a repayment agreement signed off by a team of lawyers, and that not a single payment had been missed. Even so, he was held without trial for almost two years. In March 2010 he appeared before a judge charged with fraud and money-laundering. He was not provided with a translator and could not follow the court proceedings. In a surprising twist, the judge recused himself from the trial, apparently unwilling to continue on the evidence presented. But Mr Cornelius was not released. Instead a new judge was appointed and fresh charges of defrauding and stealing from a state body were brought against him. This time the charges stuck and the businessman was sentenced to a decade behind bars – an outcome that convinced Heather that senior figures in the administration simply wanted to get his hands on her husband's lucrative polo resort. Worse followed in May 2016, when Mr Cornelius had served eight years and, with the usual 25 per cent reduction for good behaviour, expected to be released. Instead he was hauled into an office where a judge handed him another 20-year sentence using a law that allows creditors to keep a debtor imprisoned for failing to repay money owed. He says he was refused a lawyer. Mrs Cornelius believes that her husband is trapped in a Kafkaesque nightmare, in which he is locked up for failing to repay a loan that it is impossible to repay – because he is locked up. 'Their intention is for him to never get out,' she said. 'Ryan and his partners had not defaulted on the loan, they had paid their debt right up until they were put into jail. 'Of course you can't run businesses from jail so I think effectively the Dubai authorities wanted to silence everybody and keep them out of the way.' Meanwhile Cornelius's lucrative property portfolio has been confiscated by the authorities, which is to say they now hold assets that could be worth up to three times the amount of the original loan – though this valuation is heavily disputed. The Plantation alone was valued at £755million when Cornelius entered into the repayment agreement in 2007. Heather and her supporters believe that al-Shaibani, who had become chairman of the bank just a few months before Cornelius was arrested, is deeply implicated. The financier is the sheikh's right-hand man and, according to The Economist, is arguably the second most powerful person in Dubai outside the royal family. 'They had decided to take Ryan's assets,' said Heather. ' Then keep everyone in jail so no one could come forward and say what really happened. To my mind that was the intention. Lord Clement-Jones named al-Shaibani as the powerful man keeping Ryan prisoner in the speech he gave to the House of Lords last year. It is not the first time that al-Shaibani, has been accused of mistreatment. He has been named as a key conspirator in the kidnaps of the sheikh's daughters Princesses Shamsa and Latifa. Shamsa, then 19, vanished on a street in Cambridge in August 2000 and was spirited away to Dubai via private jet. She has not been seen in public since. An English court determined that Mr Shaibani was closely involved in the plot to kidnap al-Maktoum's daughter and was even present when the teenager disappeared. And then three years ago, the sheikh's daughter Latifa, then 32, was also kidnapped while attempting to flee Dubai on board a yacht. She accused al-Shaibani of being involved and said that he forced her to make false statements to British courts and the UN denying that she was being held against her will. The treatment of Cornelius has been disastrous for his family. Heather and her three children – a daughter, 32, and two sons, aged 30 and 19 – became homeless when the couple's three London properties were handed over following a successful debt claim by Dubai Islamic Bank in the British courts. The family has survived by taking turns staying with Heather's sisters. 'We had everything taken from us,' she says. 'I have family in the UK that have strived to help me and their homes are my homes but it's not really what you envision at 60 years old. 'Our main focus is supporting our children. 'You can't imagine how hard it is to keep up hope with so many twists and turns and things that seem terribly wrong in the whole process.' 'Dubai Islamic Bank is already in possession of assets previously valued at over a billion dollars. 'Ryan has lost a decade of his life, and lost everything he built over the past 30 years. 'His family is homeless and he is bankrupt; yet Dubai Islamic Bank seem to want him to remain in jail indefinitely, and in Dubai, they have the power to make that happen.' Mr Cornelius is due to be released from Central Prison in 18 years, when he will be 85 years old. But Heather fears that her husband, who caught tuberculosis in custody, will pass away in jail. 'Ryan is in there for life. 'He contracted TB in jail and for two years they didn't treat him. 'His health has deteriorated, he has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 'He tries to keep himself fit but 13 years in jail would put anybody's health in jeopardy.' She cannot remember the last time she saw her husband in person. Even before the pandemic made travel to Dubai almost impossible, she could no longer afford the flights. Her youngest son was the last family member to see him face-to-face, four years ago. But the couple speak on the telephone two or three times a day although their conversations often only last five minutes as other inmates line up to contact their own loved ones. 'I really do panic if I haven't heard from him. 'I get in a dreadful state because some days the phones aren't working well and there's a queue to use the phone.' Mr Cornelius is just one of thousands of Westerners in jails across the UAE on trumped-up charges according to Radha Stirling , the CEO of Detained in Dubai , an organisation that provides legal advice to people jailed – often falsely – in the Middle East. 'This is a case of corruption,' she says. 'The more successful you are and the bigger your assets, the more at risk of facing false criminal charges you become. 'We have been trying to warn people about it for years.' Lord Clement-Jones, who has campaigned for Mr Cornelius's release since 2014, said that the case highlighted the dangers of conducted business in the UAE. 'It's really appalling for Dubai's reputation,' he said. 'Our government appear so cosy with Dubai that they won't say boo to a goose. 'The Americans and Australians have been much tougher, got much better results and managed to get their subjects home.' Mrs Cornelius, 62, was scathing about the Foreign Office. 'Our appeals to them go unanswered. 'Only one senior official has ever visited Ryan and that was a couple of years ago. 'He promised to rectify the situation but we never heard from him again.' Against the odds, she remains hopeful that somehow her husband will be released from the clutches of Dubai officials and reunited with his family in London again. 'I don't think I'd survive if I didn't still hope. We all cling on to that hope. 'I think if the Foreign Office would just step in and put pressure on and support us, we could get Ryan released. In a statement, the embassy of Dubai said it looks after the medical welfare of its prisoners: 'Ryan Cornelius illegally obtained loan of £372 million, by bribing staff members at Dubai Islamic Bank. 'Following a fair trial in which all due processes were followed, Mr Cornelius was sentenced to ten years in prison, which was later lawfully extended as he had failed to repay the creditor (Dubai Islamic Bank) during this time - which is in line with UAE law. The whereabouts of the funds Mr Cornelius obtained are unknown. 'The UAE judicial system is independent and equitable, and guarantees the mandatory presence of a translator at all stages, the right to seek a lawyer at all stages, the provision of a lawyer at the state's expense if the defendant cannot appoint legal counsel, and the right to appeal.' [ISOLDE WALTERS FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY - PUBLISHED: 10:20, 28 January 2022] Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, commented, “It appears that Dubai Islamic Bank dealt with the financial crisis in part by identifying high value assets of its clients and then concocting methods for seizing them through legal machinations. There is no doubt that DIB knew perfectly well that Ryan’s loan was for the development of The Plantation, and if their former chairman misled the bank’s board about this, then he is at fault; not Ryan; yet, as a local, he has never been held to account. DIB is already in possession of assets valued at over a billion dollars, seized by means of the spurious criminal case against Ryan, it is outrageous that they should be allowed to retroactively apply Law 37 and keep him imprisoned just so they can try to increase their profits by another $500 million. Ryan has lost a decade of his life, and lost everything he built over the past thirty years, his family is homeless, and he is bankrupt; yet DIB wants him to remain in jail indefinitely, and in Dubai, they have the power to make that happen. “We call upon the British government to intervene in Ryan’s case and lobby for his immediate release; and we call upon DIB to exhibit the basic human decency to forego the utterly unreasonable demand for further restitution beyond what they have already devoured of Ryan’s assets. “The case of Ryan Cornelius serves as a stark warning to any foreign investor considering doing business in the UAE: any creditor at any time, for any reason, can arbitrarily decide to appropriate your assets, lock you up and throw away the key.” Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

'I may never see my husband again': Wife of ailing British businessman

Ryan Cornelius is locked in Dubai jail over banking fraud, his wife says he has been condemned to die behind bars because he cannot repay...

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Afghanistan veteran and PTSD sufferer, Shannon Johnston, held in Dubai debtors prison because authorities “lost his passport”. “My father has been detained for almost a year over a bank debt he could not pay”, said Jasmyn Johnston, his 22 year old daughter, “he was told because of changes to the law that he would be released earlier this month but then they couldn’t release him because they had LOST his passport”. Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai spoke to Jasmyn this week. “It’s quite common for Dubai authorities to lose passports, regularly causing release delays”, explained Stirling. Jasmyn is looking after her two young children and is desperate for her father to come home and live with them. Dubai relaxes Islamic laws but is the city safe for foreigners? Shannon was told he would need an emergency passport from the US embassy but the embassy requires a new digital photo, an impossible request to fulfil from the prison. Stirling has notified the US Embassy of his plight and requested their urgent intervention. “Shannon has been through enough. He’s been held prisoner over a bank debt, lost the job he was flying to and suffered declining mental health. The PTSD sufferer has found it particularly traumatic with the latest Houthi rebel attacks, triggering flashbacks for the 42 year old. “Given that Shannon is scheduled for release, either the UAE needs to let him free with a request to return to register his new passport or the US needs to arrange the passport replacement and overcome the obstacles. He is not able to leave the UAE immediately in any case as he will be required to file for bankruptcy he has been told. He is not an international criminal and hardly a flight risk. “The British government has been called on to secure the safety of their prisoners, given the latest missile attacks against the UAE and the United States must do the same for their citizens.” Stirling calls for evacuation of British prisoners in UAE The Houthis have vowed to continue attacks on the capital Abu Dhabi, as well as threatening to hit locations in Dubai vital to the UAE’s tourism and financial sectors. Drone strikes have caused explosions in Musaffah and in the vicinity of Abu Dhabi International Airport. The Houthis have published threats online against multiple targets, including the iconic Burj al Arab and Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The situation is escalating rapidly, and for the first time in recent memory, the UAE appears to be descending into the turmoil of violent regional conflict, leading to serious fears about the safety of foreign nationals in the country; particularly those wrongfully trapped in detention facilities. Today: Abu Dhabi prison shakes as prisoners on frontline of drone strikes The father of three and grandfather, Shannon Johnston is originally from West Virginia before moving to Alabama. Read his full story here Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

US Veteran Stuck in Prison After Dubai “loses passport”

Afghanistan veteran and PTSD sufferer, Shannon Johnston, held in Dubai debtors prison because authorities “lost his passport”. “My father...

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The unthinkable is happening right now in the UAE. After decades as one of the few countries in the Arabian Gulf to not be targeted in terrorist attacks, the United Arab Emirates has suffered multiple drone and missile strikes over the past several days. The Emirates’ 6 year involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels has made the country a target for terrorist vengeance which has already left at least 3 people dead and 6 injured. The Houthis have vowed to continue attacks on the capital Abu Dhabi, as well as threatening to hit locations in Dubai vital to the UAE’s tourism and financial sectors. Drone strikes have caused explosions in Musaffah and in the vicinity of Abu Dhabi International Airport. The Houthis have published threats online against multiple targets, including the iconic Burj al Arab and Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The situation is escalating rapidly, and for the first time in recent memory, the UAE appears to be descending into the turmoil of violent regional conflict, leading to serious fears about the safety of foreign nationals in the country; particularly those wrongfully trapped in detention facilities. “ We have received reports from British inmates in the UAE that explosions are literally shaking the walls of the prison ,” says Radha Stirling , CEO and founder of Detained in Dubai , “ Billy Hood , who is currently incarcerated on absolutely ludicrous charges in Dubai, and whose case is already well known in the UK, has communicated that prisoners can hear blasts nearby the jail, and inmates are in fear of their lives. The British government should have already intervened to secure Billy’s release, along with many other wrongfully detained citizens, like Albert Douglas ; but the situation is of the utmost urgency at the moment, as the UAE cannot guarantee their safety. We are calling for the immediate release and repatriation of all British nationals currently being held in the UAE. ” Today: Abu Dhabi prison shakes as prisoners on frontline of drone strikes Stirling further warns that the conflict has the potential for becoming dramatically worse, “The Emirates has not suffered violent attacks since the Gulf War, and even then, it was never a primary or direct target. But they have been an integral and, in many ways, a leading force in the Yemen military campaign against the Houthis, who are financially and militarily supported by Iran – the sworn enemy of both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This conflict can spiral into a full-scale regional war very quickly”. Analysts have long characterised the Yemen conflict as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran, and as hope fades for the resuscitation of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Tehran may feel they have nothing to lose by escalating the war to a direct engagement with the Arab Gulf States. “Iran has ensured that the Houthis are well-funded and well-armed,” Stirling explains, “There is no question that the UAE will interpret the Houthi attacks as originating from Iran, not Yemen; so the conflict could easily shift from being a contained proxy war into a very high-stakes direct confrontation between Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.” Commenting on the specific danger for British detainees in the UAE, Stirling explains, “ Saudi and Emirati forces conducted airstrikes against a Houthi-run prison on Saturday as a reprisal for the attacks on the UAE, there is every reason to believe that the Houthis will respond in-kind by targeting detention facilities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The British government needs to insist on the evacuation of their citizens from the UAE’s prisons and bring them home before it’s too late. These are people who should never have been jailed in the first place and they are now stranded as veritable sitting ducks whom the UAE have placed in even greater risk of being victims of tit-for-tat airstrikes by Houthi rebels. There is no time for diplomatic courtesies, our citizens have to be taken out of harm’s way before their unjust detentions turn into a death sentence.” Press Release: Parliamentary Debate - Should the FCDO increase travel warnings to British citizens heading to Dubai Andy Slaughter, MP criticises FCDO & calls for UK government action on the Gulf in Justice Podcast with Radha Stirling Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

Stirling calls for evacuation of British prisoners in UAE

The unthinkable is happening right now in the UAE. After decades as one of the few countries in the Arabian Gulf to not be targeted in...

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Reports from Abu Dhabi prison confirm the building was “shaking” with loud explosions heard, frightening families of inmates including Billy Hood desperate to get him to safety. Abu Dhabi has been under attack from Iran funded Yemen’s Houthi rebels with two loud explosions that shook the prison just today, leaving inmates like Billy Hood at the forefront of the UAE’s security risk. With UAE rulers focussed on their own national security, the British government has been called on to secure the safety of their citizens on the frontline of these attacks. “Billy Hood was arrested for involuntarily possessing a few small bottles of CBD oil. He has been detained for over a year and is appealing his 10 year sentence but his family are concerned that he will not even make it to court to do so”, said Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai. Billy’s mother Breda and uncle David are “shattered” by the extremely worrying reports that Abu Dhabi has become a warzone. An emotional Breda appealed to Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Ambassador Moody to “please, get my boy out of there! Billy was arrested for CBD oil and is now in a situation where he could be killed. We are worried out of our minds and shaken by what he is going through at the moment. He’s a young football coach and even if he survived these attacks, the courts and infrastructure will be crippled to deal with his appeal. New drug laws have come in that would have seen him deported at worst. Please intervene and beg Abu Dhabi to apply these laws to his case, consider the threat to his life and let him come home to his family. No average person should have to deal with the stress and trauma that he is going through and that we, his family, are experiencing. Please have some compassion!” Stirling says “the British government has a responsibility to secure the safety of their citizens. Billy Hood is in desperate need of urgent rescue and repatriation. If the British government fails to intervene and anything happens to Billy, this would be a dire tragedy. The Hood family is awaiting news from the Foreign Secretary and from Boris Johnson on what the UK is doing to help him come home”. MP Felicity Buchan has been advocating for Billy but this new and developing situation has increased urgency. “The prisoners currently detained in Abu Dhabi include foreigners charged with crimes from bounced cheques and debts to possession of small amounts of hashish or in Billy’s case, CBD oil. These are not criminals and they should not have their lives put at risk”, added Ms Stirling who is extremely concerned for those in custody. “It is an unbelievable situation and the trauma the inmates are experiencing right now is unimaginable. They are totally out of control, they can’t flee for safety. They are at the mercy of authorities. The British government must intervene”. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

Today: Abu Dhabi prison shakes as prisoners on frontline of drone strikes

Reports from Abu Dhabi prison confirm the building was “shaking” with loud explosions heard, frightening families of inmates including...

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2021 saw the arrest of Peter Clark and Billy Hood. Peter was arrested for “possession” when his blood tests returned positive for hashish he had consumed in Las Vegas, long before his trip to Dubai. Peter was released following widespread criticism of the harsh laws of possession that essentially render them extraterritorial in nature. Dubai Revises Antiquated Drug Laws Billy Hood was charged with trafficking, selling and possessing tiny bottles of CBD vape oil that were left in his car by a negligent visiting friend as Billy dropped him off at the airport. The facts are, the police had zero evidence of trafficking and their evidence of selling was that Billy had £2,000 in cash in his apartment, later proved to be payment from his wages as a sports coach. Billy’s blood tests all returned negative but he has remained in jail for a year, desperately trying to challenge courts to take his case seriously rather than assume guilt and hand over maximum sentences. Billy’s 25 year sentence has now been reduced to 10 years but Dubai’s new laws, even if they assumed his guilt, would have seen him “fined” or “deported”. Billy’s family have been hoping that UAE authorities will intervene in Billy’s case and give him special consideration in light of the new laws. His mother Breda has asked the UK’s Ambassador to the UAE to convey her heartfelt plea to review her son’s case. “I am begging the UAE rulers to look at Billy’s case. If Billy had been arrested this year instead of last, he wouldn’t have spent any time in jail according to the new laws. Please give my boy back”. Felicity Buchan, MP, has escalated Billy's case to Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and the UK's Ambassador Patrick Moody, calling for intervention in his case. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai has been working with the UK to try to secure Billy’s freedom. “Billy’s case has been raised at the highest levels of the British government and they have assured us they are raising it with their counterparts in the UAE. The UAE has made positive changes to the law that will help prevent many unnecessary arrests in the future and it would be a show of benevolence to release Billy Hood. “The public support behind his case has been strong, with more than 168000 signatures on a petition to free Billy. His case has been raised in Parliament and his family are committed to doing everything possible to bring him home. Petition · Free Billy Hood, 24-year-old pro footballer sentenced to 25 years in Dubai. #FreeBilly “We hope in light of these new laws, that the UAE government sees Billy’s case as an opportunity to show their progression and vision for the future.” An appeal has been submitted by Billy's legal team but the family hope he will be released on the basis of these new laws, rather than waiting months. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

New Dubai Drug Laws for Billy Hood

2021 saw the arrest of Peter Clark and Billy Hood. Peter was arrested for “possession” when his blood tests returned positive for hashish...

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“It is such an honour to be approaching a decade and a half of service”, said Radha Stirling , the organisation’s founder, who has faced great triumphs and adversity over her years of defending victims in the Middle East. “The tragedies, the sleepless nights, the hackers and spies, the autocratic rulers combined with great victories, change and life changing moments. There is never a dull moment at Detained in Dubai . Stirling founded Detained in Dubai in 2008 during her advocacy for friend, Cat Le-Huey: “We have highlighted systemic issues within the UAE’s judicial system, those of corruption, police brutality, forced confessions and wrongful prosecutions and we highlighted legislative concerns in desperate need of review. In doing so, we have managed to save thousands of people from arbitrary detention and human rights violations. “For over a decade, we have been the most outspoken critics of Interpol , the crime reporting organisation, notorious for corruption and ‘pay to play’ membership. We’ve managed to raise the unfair detentions of Conor Howard and Robert Urwin in Parliament and escalate the issue of Interpol Abuse to policy influencers in Washington DC. After assisting in hundreds of Interpol and Extradition injustices, we are now working to shift policy and make Interpol legally accountable. In 2010, I worked with Australian senators to successfully enshrine human rights provisions into the extradition treaty with the UAE. With a class action in preparation, we expect the climate within Interpol to shift, ultimately leading to further protections against the misuse of Interpol’s databases that result in lengthy and unfair detentions abroad. Interpol Abuse has become such a huge issue that it was necessary to found IPEX (Interpol and Extradition) Reform to fully support this campaign. We are proud to have prevented extraditions to countries like the UAE, Qatar, Saudi, Korea, Russia and Egypt but the battle continues, with Interpol having controversially elected the UAE to their Presidency. IPEX Reform: Home “Outrageously, we have seen everything from a flight attendant arrested from a restaurant in Rome, to a police officer pulled from his car in Cornwall over small credit card debts. We have continued to support expats resolve their debt situations, protecting them from further escalation and from being reported to Interpol. In highlighting these unfair cases, we note the UAE has responded by implementing bankruptcy laws, reducing criminal sentences for financial crimes and now we are seeing that bounced cheques are to be decriminalised except in cases of fraud. In practicality, these changes have failed to protect most expats, but it is heartening to see that there is movement in the right direction. "The Dubai Debt Trap" - The Economist, Dec 2021 “But this pales in comparison to the more heinous crimes that have emerged from Middle Eastern state actors, including the murder in police custody of Lee Bradley Brown . More than ten years ago, I received desperate phone calls from fellow inmates who described his violent death at the hands of police officers and only now, is there a final Inquest into his death where I will give evidence later in the year. Dubai’s government retracted their promise to share CCTV footage with the British government and until now, have not been held to account for his gruesome death. Dubai’s Deadly Cops: Lee Bradley Brown Inquest 2022 “The UAE could get away with anything at this point, and so the torture did not stop. The forced confessions, beatings, rape, electrocutions, hog-tying, freezing conditions, deprivation of water and contact with the outside world. Unbelievably, we saw leaked video footage of a man being repeatedly driven over in the desert, a case which was settled out of court in the US and of course, we saw Princess Latifa’s video testimony of her own imprisonment and torture. “We have heard it all and even as late as 2021, a British national was admitted to hospital with broken bones at the hands of prison guards. The testimonies from victims are heartbreaking. We have continued to raise these abuses to the media, governments and to the United Nations, significantly pressuring the UAE to put an end to the mistreatment of prisoners. “Sadly, torture victim Artur Ligeska died last year after struggling to rebuild his life following his exoneration from fabricated charges against him in Abu Dhabi. Artur told his story in his book and documentaries, leaving a legacy of activism behind him. Artur was a good friend of mine who touched the hearts of many. He is dearly missed. Artur Ligeska - Human Rights Advocate “In 2018, Hervé Jaubert and Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum contacted me from onboard US flagged yacht, Nostromo before they were kidnapped by UAE and Indian military forces. Nothing could have prepared us for this unprecedented and dramatic event. When Latifa called me from the yacht in the middle of the attack, I swung into immediate action, securing her video testimony, raising the abduction to authorities in the UK, UAE, India and the US, and enlisting Queen's Counsel to immediately raise their abduction to the United Nations. “For anyone who followed this case, they will know that the UAE pulled out every dirty trick they could to discredit the story. They released photos of a different Latifa to confuse the media, employed a disinformation campaign against us in an attempt to discredit the source of information, instructed ‘hackers’ and intelligence agencies to target us and of course, recruited help from people like Mary Robinson to try to cover up their crimes. It was high stakes and it was personal. “After significant campaigning, countering UAE smear attempts, lobbying US policy centres and even raising it on mainstream broadcasts like the BBC and Sean Hannity, the United Nations was forced to insist on Latifa’s release, the FBI was exposed for assisting the UAE with White House Press Secretary Psaki deflecting a question on the issue. Princess Haya, who had previously supported Sheikh Mohammed’s stance on Latifa, became entrawled in divorce proceedings with the Dubai ruler, reversing her position and supporting Princess Latifa. Sheikh Mohammed was forced to confront the issue and with Latifa’s newly enlisted cooperation, photographed her in various locations to satisfy the neverending proof of life requests. Jaubert, journalists and I then received letters from a UK law firm, purporting to represent Latifa, requesting silence and privacy. For most, Latifa’s case remains unsolved and though at least it appears she may have made an agreement that is satisfactory to her, most remain sceptical as to her true situation. Following pressure from Detained in Dubai, Mary Robinson issued an apology for her role in supporting the UAE by claiming Latifa was “safe and free”. Princess Haya later received a £500m divorce settlement in British courts. “Following my appearance in ‘Escape from Dubai’, ‘60 Minutes’ and representations to the United Nations and US authorities, Sheikh Mohammed became a controversial figure, leading the Queen of England to seek to avoid public engagements with the Dubai ruler. “Women’s rights in the UAE continue to deserve attention. On the one hand, we can see women in board positions, in sports and government and yet we still have female guardianship and their freedom, it appears, is only by virtue of the fact that a male has permitted it. Sheikha Zeynab released a desperate plea on Instagram as her children were imminently to be removed from her. She was not heard from publicly again and there are certainly concerns for her wellbeing. Emirati woman, Hind Al Balooki dramatically escaped abuse following in Latifa’s footsteps. We also saw the murder of Jane Matthew by her husband. She was hit over the head with a hammer while she lay sleeping in bed. Her family has been outraged that her husband was served with less time than someone who may have bounced a cheque. There has been a history of female rape victims being charged with ‘having sex outside marriage’ but fortunately after many public cases, like that of Alicia Gali and Roxanne Hillier , we have finally seen the decriminalisation of sex outside marriage. That’s not to say that adultery will go unpunished but unmarried couples should no longer be prosecuted for extramarrital sex or co-habitating. “On a regular basis, we still receive calls from desperate women in a male dominated legal system. Child custody issues can be unbelievable and in favour of men, while others have been asked to provide testimony from muslim men that they are good mothers, even when they have a UK issued court order and have had custody for years. This shows just how much improvement is needed before the UAE can be considered a safe place for expats who could fall foul of the law. “Along with the usual ‘offensive behaviour’ charges that have often plagued tourists, the UAE went a step further when they enacted the extremely strict cybercrime laws that were also vague in nature, essentially criminalising almost every visitor to the country. Countless foreigners were arrested in charged with violations ranging from sharing charities on social media to derogatory comments and even for private WhatsApp communications between husband and wife or flatmates . The UAE made it very clear that criticism of the government, the rulers or the country would not be tolerated. Free speech was completely killed and journalists feared they could be jailed for their objective writing. While we managed to secure the freedom of people like Laleh Shahravesh and Scott Richards , without intervention, they would have faced years in prison. Scott Richards was released three weeks after his arrest: UAE Cybercrime Laws “We have seen an increase in locals and expats alike, seeking to profit from arrests by seeking out detainees and promising to negotiate their release or use their influence. Millions of dollars have been scammed by those already victimised by a legal system in need of refurbishment. These scams have appeared to benefit authorities and even police. The extent of the corruption needs to be investigated as it further tarnishes Dubai’s image. “And while the spotlight is usually on the major tourist destination of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah has tried to place itself as a close competitor with new beach resorts and less restrictive business practice, but it is known as the ‘wild west of the Emirates’ and RAK has not let itself down. Not only did the public case of Billy Barclay’s arrest draw attention to the Emirate, but the ruler and his lawyers and employees have been sued for the torture of foreign nationals within their prison, and for instructing Israeli and Indian intelligence agencies like Bluehawk CI to go after adversaries, including myself. We are working with leading litigation support agencies and top lawyers to seek justice for the victims of Ras Al Khaimah and to expose the corrupt and abusive regime of Sheikh Saud. “The UAE and Israel have had a strong behind the scenes cooperation for some time, recently brought to the surface as part of the Abraham Accords. When the borders were opened to Israeli visitors, it was not long before tourists were arrested for things like ‘offensive behaviour’. Israel was new to the UAE and had not previously reported the past 12 years of petty arrests and it was important I summarised the risks, authoring articles for their most read newspapers. Radha Stirling, Times of Israel Blogs “A common theme over time has been false allegations against businessmen as a means to loot their companies and assets. Not only has this resulted in lengthy and unfair detention or Interpol and extradition proceedings, but it has literally ruined their lives and in many cases, their reputations. The severity of this can not be underestimated and we have ensured clients get the opportunity to fully defend themselves and their reputations through access to the media and extraterritorial litigations. “One of the great rewards that has made us more effective has been the relationships developed with politicians, think tanks, foreign diplomats, embassies and the media. We’ve worked closely with heads of state, foreign secretaries and diplomats to achieve positive outcomes for all concerned. Indeed, the UAE has been open to rectifying injustices and to working with their allies but our media connections have provided us with the incentive to politicians to make representations on behalf of victims. Since Cat Le-Huy’s detention in 2008 , our media connections worldwide have been an important part of being able to protect human rights in the Gulf. From the BBC to 60 Minutes, CNN to Fox and the world’s most read media, we have not been able to thank them enough for their ethical coverage of our cases. The Daily Beast and Reuters, for example, have actively assisted us in investigations into authorities and intelligence agencies and to expose criminal acts against us and our clients. “As well as exposing wrongdoing in law enforcement agencies though, we have worked closely with authorities to expose corruption, money laundering and ponzi schemes throughout the Middle East, the United States and Canada, including the notorious Gold AE scam . “And our natural path has led us to help people all over the Middle East and increasingly, internationally, leading us to found Due Process International where we have taken on cases in the US, Papua New Guinea and South America. The Gulf in Justice Podcast was founded just last year and has already interviewed prominent politicians, businessmen and clients and been covered in the media. Increasingly, we have been asked to appear on other Podcasts like the LA Times’ “Convicted” with cybercrime law victim, Nichole Coffel. GulfInjustice Podcast “Perhaps the last year or two have been the most important so far. I have spoken at the Offshore Alert Conference, the Heritage Foundation, Frontiers of Freedom and Skyline , warning and informing investors and influencers of reforms that need to be made in order to safeguard individuals and investors from abuse, as well as preserve a cooperative alliance where belligerent and criminal acts are no longer tolerated. Our work is not only helping individuals on a case by case basis, it’s about future safety and security for governmental relations, as well as individuals. This involves influencing legal changes that promote transparency and accountability through legislatures, political figures and think tanks like Chatham House and Heritage. “The past year saw China’s relations with the UAE expand and take on a sinister element as reports emerged of secret detention facilities in the Emirates built and run by China, for the specific purpose of extrajudicially detaining Chinese dissidents in the country. While the US took a strong stance against the selection of a Chinese national as the president of Interpol, some of the most vocal opponents, such as Senator Ted Cruz, remained silent about the election of the Emirati and accused torturer, Ahmed Nasser al-Raisi, to the position. “Our persistent effort to push the UK to increase travel warnings for tourists visiting the UAE gained the support of numerous members of parliament, including Baroness Whitaker, who was so alarmed by the Emirates’ dismal human rights record that she called for Britain to impose sanctions on the UAE. Parliamentary Debate: Should the FCDO increase Travel Warnings to British Citizens heading to Dubai “We have been the leading international voice drawing attention to the endemic abuses of the UAE legal system, rampant human rights violations, and unchecked authoritarianism of the Emirates’ government; bringing an often-reluctant media spotlight to cases of wrongdoing that deeply offend modern sensibilities and Western standards of justice committed in the UAE. Fortunately, after 14 years of campaigning, knowledge of the corruption and abuses of the UAE legal system have become widespread, which led recently to the EU Parliament voting to boycott the ongoing Dubai Expo . “Amidst the growing pressure driven by our work, the UAE last year revamped some of their drug laws. The cases of American Peter Clark, Britons Andy Neal and Billy Hood , which we brought to the public eye, prompted the Emirates to modify sentencing in drug cases of foreign nationals to allow deportation instead of imprisonment. Clark, Neal, and Hood were all granted release following our intensive campaigns for their freedom. New UAE drug law: Treatment for first-time offenders; deportation, tougher penalties clarified “Our long-time campaign to increase the responsiveness and transparency of the FCDO in its approach to citizens wrongfully detained in the UAE saw the convening of a parliamentary debate the FCDO. We provided MPs with comprehensive reports detailing the many failures of the Foreign Office in handling the dilemmas faced by British citizens in the Gulf. “American citizen Ms Jeffries was finally released from an unjust sentence in Dubai from a case that smacked of racism and a vindictive professional grudge; we liaised with several American politicians, diplomats and activists, consular officials and UAE authorities to press for her freedom. “There are thousands of expats though, who are stuck in limbo in Dubai and many of them have lost faith that they will ever get back home. Former intelligence officer Hervé Jaubert was not the only successful escape story. A number of brave foreigners have managed to cross borders to safety, while others haven't been so lucky, especially in times of heightened security and surveillance. Sadly, Ex Grenadier Guardsman Robin Berlyn died while trying to cross the border to Iran. We will soon tell his story. EXCLUSIVE: Former Grenadier Guardsman trapped in Dubai after being jailed over fake cheque scam tries to flee by swimming two miles across Persian Gulf “The case of our client UK businessman Albert Douglas has shocked and outraged the British public. The stories of his abuse and torture, and his baseless detention has spurred multiple protests across Great Britain, including at the House of Parliament and in front of Dubai’s biggest luxury property expo in Knightsbridge. Under pressure from the ongoing campaign for his release, UAE authorities have committed to holding a review of Albert’s medical condition to consider the option of sending him home. “While we have achieved many notable successes over the years, and 2021 saw great progress in global awareness about the dangers posed by the UAE to not only foreigners inside the country, but even to citizens in their home countries and around the world; we are also seeing the belligerence and lawlessness of the UAE intensify, as well as the expansion of their reach and influence. We will be working harder than ever in 2022 to defend the rights of foreign nationals falsely accused and wrongfully detained in the Gulf and to address policy issues relating to the engagement of Western countries with the Emirates and broader region. “We are truly grateful for all of our supporters, clients and to our amazing team”. Evil under the Dubai sun: Beneath the glamorous facade beloved of celebrity influencers and British holidaymakers, Dubai has a dark secret of medieval injustice... and the princess held hostage is only the start, writes GUY ADAMS Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

14 Years: Detained in Dubai

“It is such an honour to be approaching a decade and a half of service”, said Radha Stirling, the organisation’s founder, who has faced...

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The government of the UAE has a problem following the rules. It is almost as if they object to the very concept of the rule of law. Within the country, the legal system is notoriously arbitrary; people can be arrested when they have committed no crime and people who flout the rules can go unpunished. Almost everyone currently serving time in UAE prisons were not convicted on the basis of evidence, but through forced confessions and charade trials. The one unofficial, but always enforced law in the UAE is the law of influence, or “wasta”. If someone has wasta they can both evade prosecution for themselves and ensure prosecution of others. As the Emirates pursues greater reach on the world stage, they seem to be approaching global influence in this same lawless manner. Senator Cruz called on to oppose UAE's Interpol Presidency bid George Nader is a case in point. When Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, known as MBZ, wanted to increase his country’s wasta in Washington in 2016, he did not follow the rules. While it is illegal for a candidate or politician in the US to accept donations from a foreign individual or entity, there are still ways to do it under the law . The UAE could, for instance, establish a Social Welfare organisation in the United States, and that organisation could then donate to a political campaign or Super PAC; as long as the organisation was above-board, genuinely involved in social welfare projects, and spent at least half of its operating budget on non-political work. But that’s not what MBZ did. Reports From Meta, Citizen Lab Reveal Dark World of Facebook Cyber Spies-for-Hire Instead, the de facto ruler of the UAE just gave George Nader, a Lebanese-American businessman and an adviser to MBZ, $5 million dollars to give to Hillary Clinton, and another $1 million to give to the campaign of Donald Trump. They deliberately concealed the source and intention behind this money by making it appear to be a business transaction between MBZ and Nader’s UAE-based company, but the Mueller investigation into foreign meddling in the 2016 election uncovered the true nature of the contributions. China and the UAE: The Long Game Mohammed bin Zayed was attempting to buy influence the Emirati way. Nader, who is already serving a sentence in the US for paedophilic sex crimes, has pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government by funnelling the millions in donations to Clinton’s campaign and concealing the funds’ foreign origin. Radha Stirling , founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International commented, “ Nader is one of at least three confirmed paid agents of the UAE who sought to pay for access, to influence, and to gather intelligence about American politicians and candidates, including the President of the United States. The UAE’s illegal efforts to interfere with the 2016 election are not speculation; George Nader, Rashid Al-Malik, and Thomas Barrack have all been charged, and Nader has already entered a guilty plea. Americans detained in Dubai - A by-product of UAE lobbying? “This is a close US ally actively undermining the electoral process, disregarding FEC regulations, and trying to influence American policy towards the UAE,” Stirling said , “They got caught this time, but we have seen the Emirates operating in this illicit manner all around the world – from accusations of buying influence in India to allegedly bribing judges in Georgia; from blackmailing and extorting business people to hacking and spying on journalists, activists, and political opponents. The UAE’s rulers feel and function as if they are above the law wherever they are, and that they have a license to exert influence by every means money can buy, regardless of legality. It is becoming increasingly necessary for Western nations to assess to what extent our relations with the UAE are genuinely beneficial to our citizens, and to what extent we are harmed by allowing the Emirates to continue behaving in such a hostile and belligerent way while enjoying ally status . They do not respect the legal rights of Westerners in their country, and they do not abide by their legal responsibilities in ours. For all the concerns over alleged Russian collusion in 2016, the only proven culprit so far has been the UAE, and this should merit not only a comprehensive investigation into Emirati political influence, but a serious re-evaluation of our ties to what is clearly a despotic and dangerous country.” ABOUT | Radha Stirling Radha Stirling is a leading human rights advocate, crisis manager and policy consultant, focusing on the UAE and the wider Middle East. She is the founder and CEO of British based organisation Detained in Dubai (which have helped almost twenty thousand victims of injustice over the past 13+ years), Due Process International and IPEX (Interpol and Extradition) Reform. Stirling also hosts the Gulf in Justice Podcast. In 2010, Ms Stirling expanded her work beyond the UAE, dealing with both civil and criminal cases internationally. She has provided expert witness testimony in several high profile extradition and arbitration cases, while lobbying for Interpol reform. Given her breadth of experience in financial disputes, Ms Stirling also provides expert risk assessment for investors and advice on business strategies in the Gulf. She has actively negotiated on behalf of corporate clients and investors, assisted in recovering stolen assets, and intervened to secure their freedom from unlawful detention. Ms Stirling frequently appears in international media to discuss human rights and legal issues in the Middle East and abroad. She recently addressed the United Nations and worked closely with Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Ms Stirling has provided policy advice to both the Australian, the US, Canadian and British governments, and is a frequently invited speaker on foreign policy issues related to the Gulf states and broader region. Her high-profile media campaigns and legal work have influenced the release of countless high profile prisoners in the UAE, notably David Oliver, Richard Lau, Ellie Holman, Matt Joyce and Marcus Lee, Safi Qurashi, Scott Richards, Conrad Clitheroe, Gary Cooper, Farzan Athari, Billy Barclay, Jamie Harron, André Gauthier in the Gold AE fraud, Laleh Shahravesh, Derrin Crawford, Andy Neal, Peter Clark, Sheikha Zeynab, and more. Stirling acts in a number of cross jurisdictional commercial litigations including Oussama El Omari, Karam Al Sadeq, Jihad Quzmar, Dr Mohammed Haddad, Dr Khater Massaad, and Najib Khoury. Ms Stirling publishes regular articles and reports, often covering human rights issues, political prisoners, Middle Eastern finance and debt laws, social media laws, cybercrime laws and Interpol red notice abuse. Stirling’s articles and op-eds have been published in major news outlets, including The Times of Israel, Haaratz, the Independent and Inside Arabia. Radha has worked extensively at parliament level and closely with Senators and MP’s. Her work at Australian Parliament ensured provisions to safeguard citizens against human rights violations were included in their extradition treaty with the UAE. Stirling hosts MP’s on her Gulf in Justice Podcast, and works closely with the US State Department, Senators, Congressional representatives and law enforcement personnel. Stirling acted for HRH Sheikha Latifa Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Hervé Jaubert which led to an international media campaign and a United Nations investigation into her disappearance from a US yacht in international waters. Stirling addressed the United Nations and continues to make submissions on behalf of aggrieved clients. Stirling delivered a speech at a Frontiers of Freedom conference, focussing largely on the increased influence of Saudi Arabia and the UAE into American politics and media, questioning whether these US “allies” are acting in the best interests of the States. The OffshoreAlert conference hosted Stirling as a speaker who presented the inherent risks of investing in the UAE, to an audience of high profile lawyers, investors and financial advisors. An Interpol expert and veteran, Stirling also regularly addresses an Interpol reform group in Washington DC that guides policy at the highest level. Stirling’s work has become so high profile that she and her clients have been the target of UAE led intelligence and security attacks via Israeli spy companies. Since founding Detained in Dubai in 2008, Radha Stirling has held various senior roles in law firms in the Middle East and was recently described by Daily Beast as running "an extraordinarily slick - and convincing - PR campaign ostensibly designed to free her [Princess Latifa]". Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

UAE agent pleads guilty over US election meddling

The government of the UAE has a problem following the rules. It is almost as if they object to the very concept of the rule of law....

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A Spanish pilot has spoken about his traumatic experience after being detained in Dubai when visiting the World Expo Santi Blánquez was visiting Dubai Expo when he was inexplicably marched into a car, blindfolded and taken to a national security prison where he was interrogated and forced to sign a document in Arabic without a translator . Dubai’s CID police reviewed his phone, surveilled his aviation photography and again, without explanation, blindfolded Santi and drove him to the outskirts of a city where they abandoned him. The young pilot has taken to Twitter to warn people to avoid the UAE. Sadly, Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai explains, this is not uncommon. “It is outrageous that CID detained a Spanish citizen for what appears to be “national security” concerns because he photographs planes. “Plane photography is a common hobby and profession, especially for aviation enthusiasts. Santi is only fortunate that he was detained for two days. Other innocent visitors have spent months isolated in national security prisons where there is no onus on authorities to even inform Embassies. We represented two British nationals who were detained for four months simply for being ‘planespotting’ enthusiasts. They were not breaking the law but somehow were considered a national security issue. Manchester Resident Plane Spotters Arrested in the UAE for "National Security" reasons “It is standard practice for detainees to be forced to sign documents in Arabic without a translator and more often than not, these turn out to be false confessions. It is understandable that Santi is traumatised by his experience and it’s shocking that he was dumped on the outskirts of the city. The European Parliament voted to boycott Dubai Expo due to human rights concerns but unfortunately , most visitors are still unaware that they could face arbitrary arrest and detention for ‘crimes' they have not committed.” Don’t Confess - Protect yourself if you are arrested or questioned by police... Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Detained in Doha: https://www.detainedindoha.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

Spanish pilot left traumatised after CID abduction from Dubai Expo

A Spanish pilot has spoken about his traumatic experience after being detained in Dubai when visiting the World Expo Santi Blánquez was...

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The BBC Programme has gone out of its way to promote Dubai to tourists and investors in spite of serious human rights violations and torture against British citizens and while MP’s call on increased travel warnings to nationals after declaring the UAE “unsafe”. Radha Stirling , founder of 14 year old human rights organisation Detained in Dubai sheds light on the issue, “Inside Dubai is a representation of every marketing endeavour made by the UAE to lure investment and tourism dollars from the UK over recent decades, and while the programme portrays Dubai as a playground for the rich, it fails to balance that against the very real risks posed to investors and visitors. In fact, the super wealthy have been targeted by experienced locals and even royals over the years with many of them jailed so that their bank accounts and holdings can be looted by Sheikhs and Emiratis who have seen them as fair game. Throughout the series, we hear the message ‘you must be respectful of the laws and culture and you will thrive’. Tourists have time and time again fallen foul of a system that jails foreigners who are the victims of wrongful accusations. Even where there is no evidence of their crimes, they are convicted through a system where evidence is irrelevant and trials last 15 minutes. T his is not about ‘obeying the laws’ or ‘respecting the culture’ but about systemic forced confessions, wrongful imprisonments and grave human rights violations. Baroness Whitaker has advised the Foreign Office to increase travel warnings, noting the UAE is ‘unsafe to British citizens’ even when following the letter of the law. Baroness & MP call for increased travel warnings to UAE and Sanctions Over 14 years, we have helped more than 17,000 victims of injustice, where many of them have been forced to confess to crimes they haven’t committed and only after suffering lengthy detention, have they been exonerated. A selection of MP’s have called for increased travel warnings to British citizens and the European Parliament voted to boycott Dubai’s Expo over serious human rights concerns. Meanwhile, the UAE has invested significant funds into lobbying British politicians, think tanks and influential journalists to promote their image. This BBC programme appears to be their latest successful endeavour and will undoubtedly lead to further human rights violations against British citizens.” Dubai Expo, UAE influence puts Britons like Billy Hood, at risk Over the years, Detained in Dubai has highlighted numerous cases of injustice to the media. Jamie Harron was arrested after accidentally brushing past a man at a busy bar, Billy Barclay for a counterfeit £20 note, Laleh Shahravesh over a private Facebook post made from within the United Kingdom, but countless others have been falsely accused of a crimes, forced to confess and detained in the country. The motivation behind these egregious situations is vast and varied, including everything from extortion attempts to fraud or simple spite. Affluent investors have found themselves the targets of complex frauds by local businessmen, trade partners and Sheikhs who have the ‘wasta’ to misuse police and courts for the purpose of apprehending their victims’ cash and assets, with no regard whatsoever for their victim who has usually been conveniently jailed. Billy Hood , a young footballer was jailed over CBD vape oil that was left in his car by a visiting friend. He now faces ten years in prison over a crime he did not commit. His mother, Breda Guckion, has told of the pain she experienced, knowing that she encouraged him to go to Dubai. “I had no idea that someone like Billy, whose drug tests returned negative, could end up in prison for as long as he has. They forced him to confess, tasered and beat him. How can a series promote the country to British citizens in the midst of what is going on with Billy? Billy has been begging to be seen by a doctor but nobody is helping him. Then, I switch on the tv and see this series glorifying Dubai. It’s absurd. They keep saying ‘if you follow the rules you will be ok’ but we know full well that this is the lie that Dubai has perpetuated for years. It’s why Billy went there, because of these same lies”. Gulf in Justice Podcast with Billy Hood and Albert Douglas's families: Albert Douglas , a British grandfather, is currently in prison over a bounced cheque that has been forensically proven, he did not write. His son Wolfgang was disappointed the series would cause more people to end up in the same situation as his dad, “My father was targeted because he was perceived as wealthy. He drove Rolls Royces and had a successful business. He was seen as a target by locals and expats who wanted to milk him dry, assuring him he will remain in prison until he pays. This is just plain extortion but it happens all the time. We even had a Sheikh ask us for hundreds of thousands of pounds for his freedom, but they just take the money. There are dozens of fraudsters waiting outside of police stations to prey on people like my father and the police are cashing in too. It’s completely corrupt. British grandfather jailed in Dubai for crimes he claims he didn’t commit says he has witnessed suicides and rape by inmates and been forced to drink from communal toilet “My father loved Dubai, that is, until he was falsely arrested, beaten and tortured by prison guards and convicted of writing a cheque he never wrote. My father has had to undergo surgery for his broken bones, caused by prison guards. He has multiple surgeries still to go and we are desperate for him to return to the UK so he can be cared for locally. It’s outrageous that Sheikh Mohammed was asking my father to make a fake propaganda video saying ‘Dubai prison is good’ , but that is exactly what Inside Dubai is, a propaganda video.” “Sheikh Mohammed has been a controversial figure in recent years”, reflected Ms Stirling, “ Princess Latifa’ s escape, attacking a US yacht in international waters, hacking lawyers and journalists, organisations and royals, kidnapping Shamsa, the high profile divorce proceedings with Princess Haya and the memorable allegations of torture and abuse has tainted our perceptions of the Dubai ruler. Inside Dubai characters portray how loved and admired he is, showing off three of his books and talking about what a brilliant ruler he is. The saga of Dubai’s Princess Latifa, who tried and failed to win her freedom from her ‘evil’ father, is set to hit the US courts “The local culture is portrayed throughout as supporting women’s rights, highlighting female achievements but does nothing to cover the many Emirati women who have fled the country including the ruler's own daughters who were covered in the BBC’s ‘Escape from Dubai’, testifying that they were ‘locked up’ with no rights. The fact is, male guardianship still exists in the UAE and many expats have fallen foul of them when spouses vindictively exploit Sharia based laws. “The UAE has clearly sanctioned this programme, as they have with Housewives of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed needed to repair his reputation and the city needed to attract more income. Inside Dubai is a perfect public relations stunt but unfortunately, without that balance, British citizens will continue to be lured into a false sense of security that they are safe ‘so long as you follow the law’. “The UAE has invested significant lobbying into the UK. This has included politicians, influential journalists, policy centres and one of their targets has been the BBC. “While the show will be entertaining for many, there should be some sensitivity towards viewers who have been unfairly imprisoned, tortured and even killed in Dubai custody. The Inquest into the death of Lee Bradley Brown is scheduled in the coming months and sadly, Robyn Berlin died last year after giving up hope of ever being allowed to leave the UAE. It was alleged the former Grenadier Guardsman died of dehydration when trying to flee the country. There is an Inquest into his death this year. Albert Douglas is still living in prison with fractured bones and families are dying to have their loved ones returned to them. Dubai’s Deadly Cops: Lee Bradley Brown Inquest 2022 “There needs to be discussion over the sense of responsibility that production agencies have. There is no doubt that shows like these will encourage people to move to or visit Dubai and there is no doubt that human rights violations will continue to occur.” The UAE welcomes foreign capital, it lures investors, but provides no protections, no systemic safeguards, and enthusiastically colludes with locals to divest foreigners of their rights. It is time for investors to learn the lesson that, if you are a foreigner, success in the UAE only makes you more vulnerable. Detained in Dubai have dealt with innumerable cases over the past decade and some of the public ones have included; Australians Matt Joyce and Marcus Lee , British citizens Safi Qarashi and Mohammed Haddad, Canadian André Gauthier , Reda Boulahdid, Michael Smith, and Ryan Cornelius , The sheer number is concerning and should be a red alert to the business and investment community whom we are strongly discouraging from continuing to bring their skills, resources and capital to the UAE as long as the business culture and legal environment remains so disastrously risky. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

BBC’s ‘Inside Dubai: Playground of the Rich’ will lead to human rights violations

The BBC Programme has gone out of its way to promote Dubai to tourists and investors in spite of serious human rights violations and...

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Gulf in Justice host and Detained in Dubai CEO, Radha Stirling, updates us on the cases of Billy Hood and Albert Douglas, featuring Colin Brazier's coverage, the demonstration in front of Dubai's largest luxury property show and the direct testimony of torture victim, Albert Douglas. Billy Hood was detained over CBD oil left in his car by a visiting friend, while Albert Douglas has been detained over bounced cheques he did not write. Stirling talks to the respective family members of both victims of injustice and the recent Parliamentary debate on the Foreign Office (FCDO) and their service to British citizens. Detained in Dubai: http://www.detainedindubai.org Radha Stirling: http:///www.radhastirling.com Due Process International: http://www.dueprocess.international Podcast: http://www.gulfinjustice.news Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KH20nw... Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindu... YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

Gulf in Justice Podcast with Radha Stirling and the families of Billy Hood and Albert Douglas

Gulf in Justice host and Detained in Dubai CEO, Radha Stirling, updates us on the cases of Billy Hood and Albert Douglas, featuring Colin...

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