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01 December 2021 BBC Radio London asks Radha Stirling if increased travel warnings would protect foreigners from being unfairly detained in Dubai. Stirling explains that although she has advocated for increased travel warnings, the issue is judicial process, forced confessions and unfair trials. #DetainedinDubai #FreeBillyHood Billy Hood was detained after a visiting friend accidentally left CBD oil in Billy's car. The courts have no accepted Billy accidentally possessed the CBD but have still sentenced him to ten years. 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 Radio London interviews Detained in Dubai CEO Radha Stirling on Billy Hood and travel warnings

01 December 2021 BBC Radio London asks Radha Stirling if increased travel warnings would protect foreigners from being unfairly detained...

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ITV Report:1 December 2021 A British football coach handed a 25-year sentence in a Dubai prison after being found with four bottles of CBD vape oil has had his sentenced reduced to 10 years on appeal. Billy Hood, 25, from Kensington, London, was arrested shortly after moving to the county in January this year after being found with four small bottles of CBD vape oil in his car. The liquid - which is legal in the UK - contains trace elements of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, which is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai authorities took a signed confession from the football coach, but the 24-year-old said he was coerced into agreeing to the document - which was also written in Arabic, a language he cannot speak, read or write. As a result, Mr Hood was charged with trafficking the oil and given a far harsher punishment than expected. But, earlier this week, his case was brought in front of an Abu Dhabi appeal court, which recognised that he had "unintentionally possessed" the drugs but had no intent to supply them. His term was subsequently reduced by 15 years. On Wednesday, his mother said the sentence reduction "is not really welcomed" because her son "has done nothing wrong". "We thought yesterday that we were going to find out that Billy was going to be able to come home," she told BBC Breakfast. "He has been told that the charges have been dropped against him and yet he is still there for another 10 years. It is heart-breaking, absolutely heart-breaking." Family of Londoner jailed in Dubai face six week wait for vape oil appeal Campaigners have welcomed the reduction but claim that it is still far too high, as they say there was no evidence of trafficking or selling. Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, a group which is lobbying for Mr Hood's release, said: "The UAE has just claimed they will eliminate prison sentences for foreigners found to be in possession of THC products, opting for deportation instead but this law does not come into effect until January 2022 and may not apply retroactively." In October, while speaking to ITV News, Mr Hood's mother, Breda Guckion, and uncle, David, received a call from him, as he described the poor conditions in his prison and said he still doesn’t have a mattress after a week inside. “The conditions here are shocking, I still haven’t got a mattress after seven days of being moved in... I’ve got literally 15 or 20 seconds, it’s going to cut out,” he said. “We all love you and we’re never giving up on you, never, ever,” Ms Guckion said to him. “We’re all being punished, every single day, we’re doing life with him. The only thing is he’s in hell and we’re not,” she added. #FreeBilly #FreeBillyHood #DetainedinDubai 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/6KH20nwiZKSKEST4EyMHej Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindubai2008 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

BBC 5 Live - Billy Hood Appeal with Radha Stirling and Breda Guckion - Detained in Dubai over CBD

ITV Report:1 December 2021 A British football coach handed a 25-year sentence in a Dubai prison after being found with four bottles of...

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01 December 2021 BBC Report: A football coach who was jailed in Dubai after four bottles of vape liquid containing cannabis oil were found in his car has had his sentence reduced. Billy Hood, 24, claims he was forced to sign a confession written in Arabic despite not speaking the language. He was originally jailed for 25 years but had his sentence reduced to 10 years at an Abu Dhabi court on Tuesday, campaign group Detained in Dubai said. Mr Hood, from west London, claimed the oil was left by a friend. His mum Breda Guckion said the result of the appeal was "not really welcomed". She told BBC Breakfast: "Billy has done nothing wrong. We thought we were going to find out that Billy was going to be able to come home. "He's been told that the charges against him have been dropped yet he is still there for another ten years - it's heart-breaking. "He's been able to phone a couple of times, he says it's okay but you can hear in his voice that he's not. "Billy is quite strong-hearted and upbeat, but you can hear the fight in him is going." Forced confession The Abu Dhabi General Directorate for Drug Control (GDDC) said it found cannabis oil and 570 individual cartridges to be used for substance vaping. Substantial amounts of cash and "an electronic hookah" were also found in his car on 2 February, shortly after he moved to the country. Mr Hood, who played semi-professional football for Kensington and Ealing Borough FC, told Detained in Dubai police had unexpectedly turned up and demanded to search his home and car. Vaping cannabidiol (CBD) oil is legal in the UK and has become extremely popular - typically used to relieve pain, anxiety or stress. The Foreign Office advise there is a "zero-tolerance for drugs-related offences" in the UAE. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty and possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs can lead to a minimum four-year jail sentence. Detained in Dubai chief executive Radha Stirling said Mr Hood was "forced to confess to federal crimes with promises of his imminent release". "He was given both a carrot and a stick, so some prosecutor could get his dues. It's all too familiar a story," she said. "Dubai's overzealous prosecution has ruined this young man's life and put him and his family through hell." The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was "giving consular support to a British man who has been imprisoned in the UAE". He claimed the oil was left by a friend who had been visiting from England two weeks earlier. But Mr Hood, from Notting Hill, claimed he was forced to sign a confession after being pressured by local law enforcement. The Unite Arab Emirate's (UAE) public prosecution denied this, claiming Mr Hood had access to an English interpreter at all relevant stages, including his questioning, confession and trial. In a statement, the prosecutors said: "Mr Hood was convicted based on evidence including the items found in his possession, information on his phone, third party statement, and his own confession. "Vaping cannabidiol (CBD) oil is legal in the UK and has become extremely popular - typically used to relieve pain, anxiety or stress. The Foreign Office advise there is a "zero-tolerance for drugs-related offences" in the UAE. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty and possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs can lead to a minimum four-year jail sentence. Detained in Dubai chief executive Radha Stirling said Mr Hood was "forced to confess to federal crimes with promises of his imminent release". "He was given both a carrot and a stick, so some prosecutor could get his dues. It's all too familiar a story," she said. "Dubai's overzealous prosecution has ruined this young man's life and put him and his family through hell." The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was "giving consular support to a British man who has been imprisoned in the UAE". #FreeBilly #FreeBillyHood #DetainedinDubai 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/6KH20nwiZKSKEST4EyMHej Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindubai2008 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

BBC: Billy Hood Appeal with Radha Stirling, mother Breda and brother Alex

01 December 2021 BBC Report: A football coach who was jailed in Dubai after four bottles of vape liquid containing cannabis oil were...

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Abu Dhabi Courts accept Billy Hood did not traffic nor sell the CBD vape oil left in his car by a visiting friend. They accept that he “unintentionally possessed” the CBD but have sentenced him to TEN YEARS in prison, despite new legislation eliminating prison sentences for foreigners found in possession and allowing for deportation. Dubai Revises Antiquated Drug Laws “The UAE has just claimed they will eliminate prison sentences for foreigners found to be in possession of THT products, opting for deportation instead but this law does not come into effect until January 2022 and may not apply retroactively”, said Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai who is lobbying for 25 year old Billy Hood’s release. “Dubai police were extremely negligent when they charged Billy Hood with trafficking and selling the mini bottles of CBD vape oil found in his car. They turned what would have been a small possession case at worst into a federal case that has seen him locked up for almost a year and facing a life sentence in Abu Dhabi. There was no evidence whatsoever of trafficking and none of selling. Dubai’s overzealous prosecution has ruined this young man’s life and put him and his family through hell. Billy was forced to confess to federal crimes with promises of his imminent release. He was given both a carrot and a stick, so some prosecutor could get his dues. It’s all too familiar a story”, added Stirling. “It’s very confusing”, Breda told Detained in Dubai, “How can this have escalated as far as it has? I tried not to get my hopes up for today as I knew something like this might happen, but I now have to face the possibility that I may not see my son before Christmas and I can’t tell you how broken I am feeling”. The FCO is broken Billy’s father Alex has been outraged by the lack of intervention coming from the British government. “The Brits have developed strong ties with the UAE so why aren’t they using their relationship to help people like Billy? This should be on the top of their list. Our son is not interested in drugs at all, not consuming, selling or trafficking. It wasn’t his fault at all that his friend left the vape bottles in his car. Why should he be punished for someone else’s actions? All of his tests came back negative and there is zero evidence of selling or trafficking. It’s like something out of a movie and I can barely cope with the frustration of not being able to help him. We are campaigning out here but he’s in there completely alone”. A clemency request has been submitted by the Foreign Office for Billy’s release and a petition established by the family has attracted almost 160,000 signatures. “We pray every day for Billy’s release”, said Billy’s brother Alexander. “Billy sends lots of love to everyone supporting him. It’s been so hard on him. I can’t plead enough for the UAE to grant him clemency, give him his life back, please. The UAE has just promised to change their laws and we ask his highness to take this into consideration when reviewing our clemency application”. Clemency request for Billy Hood Ten years for “unintentional possession” of CBD vape oil is a grave injustice. “We need MP’s to push a resolution for Billy’s family. The UAE is increasingly a strong ally to the UK and with that, comes an immense possibility for cooperation on issues of human rights. I will be speaking to Parliamentarians tomorrow and have no doubt Billy’s case will attract significant support”, added Stirling. European Parliament votes to boycott UAE Expo due to human rights issue s #FreeBilly #FreeBillyHood #DetainedinDubai 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/6KH20nwiZKSKEST4EyMHej Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindubai2008 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

Press Release Billy Hood Appeal

Abu Dhabi Courts accept Billy Hood did not traffic nor sell the CBD vape oil left in his car by a visiting friend. They accept that he...

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Detained in Dubai was founded following the arrest of Cat Le-Huy who was carrying jet lag remedy melatonin with him to Dubai. He was then accused of having “specs of marijuana dust” at the bottom of his bag, later proven to be untrue. Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai has since represented dozens of foreigners who have been charged with similar drugs related crimes. People like Peter Clark who was earlier this year arrested for having trace elements of THC in his bloodstream from hashish consumed legally in Las Vegas before he travelled. Detained in Dubai’s endless campaigning for victims of Dubai’s antiquated drug laws has resulted in positive legislative change in the UAE. Ms Stirling said in a statement today: “It’s pleasing to see the UAE is finally addressing draconian drug laws that have seen numerous foreigners locked up for arbitrary reasons like prescription medicine, residual THC in blood from hashish consumed overseas as well as simply knowing someone who has possessed small amounts of drugs. This is a step in the right direction and something we’ve pursued for almost 14 years. But what really needs to be focussed on is forced confessions and wrongful prosecutions like we have seen in the case of Billy Hood whose appeal results are expected today. “The changes in law have come after years of public outrage caused by the large number of wrongful arrests and prosecutions. We are pleased to see the UAE responding to calls for legislative change but the procedural issues will continue to cause unfair detentions”. Cat Le-Huy Stirling’s first case involving her friend, Cat Le-Huy , was pulled aside on arrival in Dubai for a random search that revealed he was carrying a legal health supplement known as “melatonin”. Melatonin is a supplement that assists with jet lag symptoms & is available legally over the counter in the United Arab Emirates. Regardless, Mr Le-Huy was subjected to a full strip search, urine tests & was, under duress, forced to sign a confession in Arabic, a language he does not understand and to agree with the Dubai authorities not to obtain legal representation. Le-Huy was held for seven weeks before legal and lobbying intervention expedited his release. Andy Neal Family man and veteran Andy Neal was rounded up by police because he was in someone’s phone contact list in their phone, a neighbour he barely knew. British veteran Andrew Neal has been acquitted by an Abu Dhabi court of baseless drug charges after over a year in prison. Neal was arrested in October last year as part of a large-scale police operation against a suspected drug syndicate, despite there being no evidence to substantiate his involvement. Police searched Neal, his car, and his apartment and found no trace of drugs, neither in his possession nor in his bloodstream. He was eventually exonerated after a year in Abu Dhabi’s notorious prison. Derrin Crawford Derrin Crawford , British air hostess, 23, was arrested in Dubai and held in notorious jail after police raid apartment of 'British' man she had just gone on first date with and find two cannabis joints. After public outrage, Derrin was released. Perry Coppins Veteran Perry Coppins was held in the same prison as Billy Hood after he was found with prescription medication for his PTSD. Coppins was held in jail for five weeks, released after Detained in Dubai’s intervention. British prostate cancer sufferer held in Dubai prison after customs officers said he had "too many pills" is freed - Mirror Online Keith Brown: Keith Brown was sentenced to four years in jail after Dubai customs officers found a tiny speck of cannabis, weighing just 0.003g, stuck to his shoe. He was reportedly freed a few weeks later. Peter Clark: Peter Clark was arrested after a blood test revealed trace elements of hashish in his system, but it was smoked outside of the UAE in Las Vegas, where the substance is legal. After Detained in Dubai lobbied the US to intervene, he was released. Gulf in Justice Podcast - American man detained in Dubai over Las Vegas Marijuana is FREED - YouTube Conor Clements: Conor Clements a young British man was arrested in the UAE for traces of medical marijuana that were left in his system after legally taking it in the UK Liverpool man jailed for two years in Dubai for cannabis | Daily Mail Online #FreeBilly #FreeBillyHood #DetainedinDubai 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/6KH20nwiZKSKEST4EyMHej Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindubai2008 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

Dubai Revises Antiquated Drug Laws

Detained in Dubai was founded following the arrest of Cat Le-Huy who was carrying jet lag remedy melatonin with him to Dubai. He was then...

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The family of a British businessman who has had his Dubai jail sentence extended by 20 years despite completing his original 10-year term are pleading with the UK Foreign Office to raise his case with the highest authorities in the Emirate. The family hope that the pardon and release of Matthew Hedges, a British PhD student convicted of spying, could shine a light on the plight of their bankrupt relative, who they claim is effectively being held due to the stance adopted by Dubai Islamic Bank, from which he borrowed money before the global financial crisis. Ryan Cornelius is one of four inmates who earlier this year completed a 10-year term for defrauding the bank. However, a Dubai court ruled that their sentences would be extended by another 20 years unless they settled a $430m debt.

Radha Stirling and Lord Clement Jones interview with BBC

The family of a British businessman who has had his Dubai jail sentence extended by 20 years despite completing his original 10-year term...

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A crowd of supporters turned up at Dubai’s biggest Luxury Property Show in London yesterday to show their support for Billy Hood, who celebrated his 25th birthday today behind bars and Albert Douglas, a London grandfather who was beaten by prison guards. Billy Hood was sentenced to 25 years over CBD oil left in his car by a visiting acquaintance after being forced to sign a confession. He now awaits the results of his appeal which are expected to be released next week. His mother Breda spoke outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge today, saying “It’s Billy’s birthday. He’s 25 and he’s stuck in a prison in Dubai for 25 years. We just want to wish him a happy birthday and there’s so much love for him and we’re always thinking of him”. In a heartfelt moment, #FreeBillyHood supporters sang happy birthday then released balloons and called for his freedom. His father Alexander, from Scotland, spoke to the public, “I’m Billy Hood’s dad. We just want justice for all these people who are incarcerated in this place that is supposed to be a dream, Dubai, the dreams of what? The dreams of hell, the place is. Get them all home, please. Please get him home”. 60 year old grandfather, Albert Douglas , has been held in Dubai for a bounced cheque that has since been forensically proven was not his. The Londoner was severely beaten by prison guards, resulting in a schedule of multiple hospital surgeries for broken bones. Albert’s son Wolfgang has been tirelessly advocating for his father’s release. In front of the investment show today, he told onlookers, “We’ve come out today, numerous families from numerous atrocities. It does not matter the volume of investment from the Emirates, it does not matter political favours. There is no reason to allow human rights violations. Nobody deserves to be tortured in captivity, to be beaten while bound, no one deserves to have their human rights stripped away from them. We’re here to bring awareness to everyone in that hotel who is supporting Dubai investments, we’re here to make sure that everyone who walks in that room knows that when you sign on the dotted line, you sign your life away. God bless all the poor families who are suffering because the FCDO hasn’t done their job. God bless all the people that sit in that jail, many arbitrarily, subject to solitary confinement, beatings and torture. Whatever type of government do we have to allow that? I am here and so are so many others here today in numbers, in Knightsbridge to see no to human rights violations, to abuse of power. There is no room for dictatorships to invest in the UK and they shouldn’t be allowed to recruit our investment back.” Dubai property sellers and hotel security felt hard done by, with nobody going inside to see the offerings but Breda told them “my son is in prison for something he didn't do. How would you feel?” Detained in Dubai CEO, Radha Stirling , said “the UAE can no longer market luxury property in London without disruption. If the FCDO fails to sufficiently warn citizens of the risks involved in traveling to or investing in Dubai, this message must be sent directly to potential future victims of the Gulf nation. “The Dubai Luxury Property Show 2021 is marketing more than 10,000 properties and we know from experience that many of those investors will end up losing their life savings, their freedom and even their lives. “The British government needs to encourage the UAE to modernise their justice system to reflect their skyline, rather than assisting them to cover up the abuses. This has to stop. “More than 150,000 people have signed a petition to Free Billy Hood , making the petition one of the most popular in the history of change.org. British citizens are anticipating the outcome of Billy’s appeal next week and couldn’t be more hopeful for his safe return home.” Petition · Free Billy Hood, 24-year-old pro footballer sentenced to 25 years in Dubai. #FreeBilly · Change.org 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/6KH20nwiZKSKEST4EyMHej Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindubai2008 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

Happy Birthday Billy Hood - Dubai detainees halt investors in luxury property show

A crowd of supporters turned up at Dubai’s biggest Luxury Property Show in London yesterday to show their support for Billy Hood, who...

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Tomorrow, Billy Hood will turn 25 years old, the same number of years as the sentence he has been handed by UAE courts after being forced to confess to trafficking, selling and possessing CBD oil left in his car by a visiting friend. Billy’s family will appear at Dubai’s largest luxury property show tomorrow in London to set off #FreeBilly birthday balloons. “Billy’s mother Breda is frightened to get her hopes up for next week’s appeal results”, says Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai . “It has been a most distressing time since Billy was moved to Abu Dhabi and put in isolation. The past year has been an absolute nightmare for the family and they are stressed out of their minds”, added Stirling. “Andy Neal went through the same thing. He was detained for a whole year before finally being exonerated. I don’t think anyone can imagine what that does to a person. The impact and trauma are ongoing and lead to broken families and damaged victims. The human toll of failing and corrupt police practices is extreme and a serious human rights issue. “When UAE enterprise then comes to London to put on property shows and the like, offering free residency visas and 50% mortgages, we have to understand that people will be lured into these offerings and are at risk of losing their investments as they have done systematically for over a decade, their freedom or like Lee Bradley Brown, their lives. There are thousands of foreigners who have been deceived by property developers often owned by the government and this deceit has resulted in their loss of funds and freedom as banks have jailed them for debt. Numerous British nationals are in Dubai right now, prisoners in the capital of fraud and money laundering. After being robbed by companies with deceptive trade practices and zero accountability, they are then held in the country until they can repay mortgages for homes that were never even finished. The catch is, their passports will be confiscated and their working permits cancelled at the same time. Foreigners have faced homelessness and become suicidal over this egregious situation. “The FCDO has been criticised for its lack of sufficient travel warnings to the UAE and in fact, this very issue will be debated in Parliament shortly. For the time being, it’s important that those being lured into mortgages, debt and unfinished property developments are warned by rights groups of the risks they face in the Gulf. The best way to do that is to attend Dubai’s marketing events to warn citizens directly”. The FCO is broken Billy Hood is suffering horrendous conditions, but he is not the first one to be unfairly detained for drugs related charges and until police enforcement procedures are reformed, he won’t be the last. Dubai’s arbitrary arrests, forced confessions and substandard legal procedures have resulted in hundreds of wrongful arrests. See some of the most prominent cases below: Cat Le-Huy Stirling’s first case involving her friend, Cat Le-Huy , was pulled aside on arrival in Dubai for a random search that revealed he was carrying a legal health supplement known as “melatonin”. Melatonin is a supplement that assists with jet lag symptoms & is available legally over the counter in the United Arab Emirates. Regardless, Mr Le-Huy was subjected to a full strip search, urine tests & was, under duress, forced to sign a confession in Arabic, a language he does not understand. the Dubai authorities not to obtain legal representation. Le-Huy was held for seven weeks before legal and lobbying intervention expedited his release. Andy Neal Family man and veteran Andy Neal was rounded up by police because he was in someone’s phone contact list in their phone, a neighbour he barely knew. British veteran Andrew Neal has been acquitted by an Abu Dhabi court of baseless drug charges after over a year in prison. Neal was arrested in October last year as part of a large-scale police operation against a suspected drug syndicate, despite there being no evidence to substantiate his involvement. Police searched Neal, his car, and his apartment and found no trace of drugs, neither in his possession nor in his bloodstream. He was eventually exonerated after a year in Abu Dhabi’s notorious prison. Derrin Crawford Derrin Crawford , British air hostess, 23, was arrested in Dubai and held in notorious jail after police raid apartment of 'British' man she had just gone on first date with and find two cannabis joints. After public outrage, Derrin was released. Perry Coppins Veteran Perry Coppins was held in the same prison as Billy Hood after he was found with prescription medication for his PTSD. Coppins was held in jail for five weeks, released after Detained in Dubai’s intervention. British prostate cancer sufferer held in Dubai prison after customs officers said he had "too many pills" is freed - Mirror Online Keith Brown: Keith Brown was sentenced to four years in jail after Dubai customs officers found a tiny speck of cannabis, weighing just 0.003g, stuck to his shoe. He was reportedly freed a few weeks later. Peter Clark: Peter Clark was arrested after a blood test revealed trace elements of hashish in his system, but it was smoked outside of the UAE in Las Vegas, where the substance is legal. After Detained in Dubai lobbied the US to intervene, he was released. Conor Clements: Conor Clements a young British man was arrested in the UAE for traces of medical marijuana that were left in his system after legally taking it in the UK Liverpool man jailed for two years in Dubai for cannabis | Daily Mail Online 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/6KH20nwiZKSKEST4EyMHej Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/detainedindubai Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/detainedindubai2008 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/detainedindubai Email: info@detainedindubai.org

Billy Hood Birthday Balloons set for Dubai’s Luxury Property Show in London

Tomorrow, Billy Hood will turn 25 years old, the same number of years as the sentence he has been handed by UAE courts after being forced...

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While the position is largely ceremonial, Al-Raisi’s election has raised serious concerns among legal experts and activists globally. Al-Raisi himself has faced allegations of “torture and barbarism”, specifically in connection to the wrongful detentions of British academic Matthew Hedges and Emirati democracy advocate Ahmed Mansour . His candidacy was opposed within the organisation, in the European Parliament, and among US politicians. Along with China, Russia, Turkey, Egypt and Qatar, the UAE has been identified as a habitual abuser of the Interpol database and Red Notice system. Many view Al-Raisi’s election as a leap backwards for the organisation, likely influenced by the UAE’s significant contribution to Interpol’s funding; and the decision has further deteriorated the organisation’s reputation and legitimacy. The King of Interpol Abuse International extradition expert, Radha Stirling , founder and CEO of Due Process International , IPEX Reform and Detained in Dubai , has been the leading voice for Interpol reform; today Stirling issued a stark warning that Al-Raisi’s election sends a chilling signal to the world that Interpol has become an overt collaborator with the worst abusers of their own mechanisms: "Interpol’s election of General Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi today has dealt a severe setback to those of us who have been pushing for reforms and greater transparency in the international policing organisation, and represents an unfortunate and near-fatal blow to Interpol’s credibility. Not only is General Al-Raisi himself accused of complicity in torture and grave human rights violations, but the United Arab Emirates has established itself as one of the most prolific abusers of the Interpol system. Detained in Dubai statement on pardon of Matthew Hedges, Brit academic jailed for life for "spying" The UAE has used Interpol Red Notices essentially as an instrument for de facto expansion of their jurisdiction to persecute foreigners, most often over business disputes and fabricated charges which would be rejected by almost any court in the developed world. Over the past decade, Interpol has increasingly empowered authoritarian regimes around the globe to pursue political dissidents, journalists, and academics, as well as business people and investors; the election of Al-Raisi signals that the organisation has no intention of correcting this trajectory, but rather of accelerating in the direction of further abuse. It is outrageous that an institution originally founded to uphold justice and due process has chosen as its president a man implicated in serious crimes from a country that is renowned for exploiting Interpol’s role as a means to extort and intimidate innocent people, and a country which itself has consistently proven to have a corrupt legal system.” IPEXReform

UAE General accused of torture now head of Interpol

While the position is largely ceremonial, Al-Raisi’s election has raised serious concerns among legal experts and activists globally. ...

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Press Release: Senator Cruz called on to oppose General Raisi Interpol Presidency IPEX (Interpol & Extradition) Reform has called on Senator Ted Cruz to oppose both China and the UAE’s bid for presidency of international crime reporting agency Interpol. The Texas Senator opposed China’s bid for the presidency saying that their appointment could put thousands of Chinese political dissidents at risk. In a letter to Senator Cruz, the CEO of IPEX , Detained in Dubai and Due Process International , Radha Stirling , explained that the UAE and China have formed a concerning alliance that could put thousands at significant risk of arbitrary detention and human rights violations. Stirling said “the UAE's relationship with China has grown significantly to the point where the UAE has reportedly allowed "secret" prisons for those wanted by China. These prisons are extrajudicial and show a concerning alliance between the countries. The UAE's appointment to leadership within Interpol would be, I submit, Chinese influenced by proxy. As an expert witness in extradition cases and someone who has removed dozens of red notices over more than a decade, I know that: 1. The UAE is one of the biggest abusers of their Interpol membership, issuing frivolous reports against individuals for matters ranging from small credit card debts to politically motivated notices for the purpose of harassment, extortion and more; 2. Many such notices have been issued unfairly against Americans, causing great distress and resulting in lengthy and unfair detention, the loss of income, reputation, families and personal pain. 3. The US, UK and most western nations refuse to extradite to the UAE based on the 'real risk of unfair trials, discrimination, human rights violations and torture', and it is quite a mockery to appoint the UAE as the head of an organisation when they are a great abuser of their membership already, and when most countries decline extradition requests made via the Interpol system. 4. The UAE has acted belligerently and unlawfully, engaging in cybercrimes and hacking against US nationals including myself, my American clients, lawyers, journalists, human rights activists, royals and politicians. 5. The British courts recently confirmed the UAE had kidnapped a woman from British soil and attacked a US yacht in international waters, kidnapping all onboard and forcing them into the UAE's jurisdiction. This attack included a US citizen. 6. The UAE is subject to multiple UN complaints for torture and human rights violations and there is an Inquest at the Coroners Court in England scheduled for January after a British citizen was subjected to police brutality in Dubai that caused his death. I urge you to oppose not only China's proposed leadership with Interpol, but the UAE's too and am happy to provide numerous examples of the UAE's abuse towards US and other citizens and their contempt for the rules of their membership with Interpol.” https://www.ipexreform.com/

Senator Cruz called on to oppose UAE's Interpol Presidency bid

Press Release: Senator Cruz called on to oppose General Raisi Interpol Presidency IPEX (Interpol & Extradition) Reform has called on...

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Interpol and UAE both under fire for corrupt practices and human rights abuses. Interpol, extradition and UAE expert, Radha Stirling issued a statement today: “It’s astonishing that the UAE’s Major General Ahmed Naser Al Raisi has made a bid for the Presidency of Interpol, given that they are one of the most prolific abusers of their membership. It was in fact, the UAE, that introduced me to ‘Interpol Abuse’ and as I write this, I have just completed yet another red notice removal petition. Over the past decade, I have seen first hand, the consequences for victims of the Emirates’ ongoing abuse. I have seen lives ruined, families torn apart, victims locked up in devastating third world conditions, reputations damaged, life savings lost and severe PTSD. Radha Stirling on the Pressing Case for Interpol Refor m “Every time Interpol deletes a red notice for my clients, they are made aware that the notice should never have been issued in the first place but there have been no consequences for the UAE. The lack of accountability has clearly emboldened the UAE to further violate their membership rules and continue to report victims to Interpol without due process. “We have seen people arrested all over the world for the most ridiculous of alleged ‘crimes’. A British airline hostess was surrounded by armed policemen at a restaurant in Rome over an alleged 5,000 euro credit card debt. Robert Urwin spent over a year in prison in Ukraine over a HSBC bounced cheque, while others have been wrongfully reported for the purpose of harassment and extortion. We saw US national Najib Khoury reported by Hilton hotel tycoon Khalaf Al Habtoor because Habtoor was ‘offended’ when Mr Khoury informed him that one of his staff was getting mixed up with drugs. Captain Hervé Jaubert was misplaced on Interpol’s database by vindictive ruler Sheikh Mohammed who reported him for kidnapping Princess Latifa , despite the whole world knowing she left voluntarily. I have removed dozens of abusive notices for clients over the past decade but the damage each notice does to individuals is severe. “It is time Interpol raised their standards. The mysterious crime reporting organisation is under the spotlight with suggestions for improvements and increased accountability. It is not acceptable that Interpol claims “sovereign immunity” in court. It is an unsustainable situation where Interpol can instantly cause someone to lose their freedom but can not be claimed against if they are negligent. Where victims can not sue Interpol, there is limited incentive to change. UAE Interpol Abuse Increased, Not Ceased - Emirates Expanding Use of Interpol as Retaliatory Tactic “Not only is the UAE a repeat abuser of its membership with Interpol, but they are also known for significant and ever increasing human rights abuses. Most courts will not even extradite to the UAE based on ‘the real risk of discrimination, unfair trials, wrongful detention, human rights violations and torture”. It is laughable that a country whose own Interpol Red Notices are not respected by allied nations should think they are in any position to lead Interpol itself. UAE bank’s Interpol Abuse raised at UK Parliament after Brit’s 12 month long ordeal “I hold grave concerns about the UAE and their own lawlessness. They have recently violated international law in attacking a US flagged yacht at sea and kidnapping all foreign nationals onboard. They have repeatedly used spyware and intelligence agencies against lawyers, advocates, journalists, human rights activists and legal opponents and can not be trusted with unrestricted access to Interpol’s entire operation. The King of Interpol Abuse “And while Interpol has a history of corruption, no amount of UAE ‘donations’ should sway the organisation to damage its already tarnished reputation. The former Chinese president disappeared in a controversial arrest in his own country and Al Raisi would only serve to help us push for legal accountability.” Radha Stirling previously wrote on Al Raisi’s potential appointment: Interpol “pawns to Arab nations” as Abu Dhabi bids for presidency. Stirling calls for reform. 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. About IPEX Reform: Established by Radha Stirling, founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, and a leading voice against Interpol abuse, Interpol and Extradition Reform (IPEX) is a comprehensive initiative to address the widespread and multilayered problems with the current framework of the extradition process, including the many flaws in Interpol itself as an organisation. Radha Stirling has successfully lobbied Australian Parliament to include human rights provisions in their extradition treaty with the UAE, appeared for the defence as an expert witness in several high profile extradition cases and has worked tirelessly to remove wrongfully listed clients from Interpol’s database. She has led the call for greater Interpol transparency and reforms to end abuse by an emerging “authoritarian nexus” which misuses the Interpol Red Notice system to circumvent due process. IPEX demands that Interpol implement practical measures to ensure the protection of refugees from politically motivated malicious extradition requests, including the establishment of data sharing agreements with the UNHCR and national governments so that individuals who have been granted asylum will not be put at risk of extradition to the countries from which they have fled. This proposal is currently supported by prominent barristers in the United Kingdom, human rights organisations, and activists. Furthermore, IPEX suggests core reforms to state-to-state extradition requests and Interpol protocols to ensure these processes will not be used for political persecution, extortion of debtors, and in an attempt to circumvent international standards of due process by instituting a global criteria for the consideration of extradition requests which include human rights concerns and the integrity of national legal systems. Home | IPEX Reform

UAE bid for Interpol Presidency: Statement from Expert Radha Stirling on Al Raisi

Interpol and UAE both under fire for corrupt practices and human rights abuses. Interpol, extradition and UAE expert, Radha Stirling...

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The 24 year old footballer was sentenced to 25 years in Dubai prison over CBD vape oil left in his car by a visiting friend, is suffering rough conditions in Abu Dhabi as he awaits the verdict of his appeal. After Billy’s lawyers lodged an appeal against his life sentence, he was transferred from Dubai to Abu Dhabi’s prison as the charges of trafficking and selling drugs turned the alleged offence federal. His family have been “worried sick” after his contact with the outside world was brutally cut off. “I spoke to him but he was very limited in what he could say”, says Billy’s uncle David. “He was put into solitary confinement on arrival and the limit is supposed to be five days but he was put in for ten. The lights were on full beam 24 hours a day. Billy told me he came close to losing his mind in the cockroach infested cell with no toiletries and the aircon set to -10 degrees”. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International added “this is a form of torture and most certainly contravenes UN directives. We’ve received numerous reports over the years that interrogation rooms and cells have been turned into freezer boxes, with some prisoners even douched in ice cold water. This treatment is a violation of what Britain stands for and must be investigated. We can not very well have our allies treating our citizens in this manner, while we continue to allow them to market their country as a safe and modern destination for tourism and investment”. “While the Foreign Minister has told us that the UK has the ability to influence the UAE in the area of human rights, they have clearly failed to do so and we can link the abuses of British citizens to the lack of accountability Dubai faced when Lee Bradley Brown was killed in custody. An Inquest into his death is scheduled for January and we hope the UAE faces consequences for their ongoing violence against prisoners. Albert Douglas has just been hospitalised and faces further surgeries after being beaten by prison guards. How can the UK let this continue?” David tells us “conditions have gone downhill rapidly. Billy is very fearful of this new regime, and was very very cautious in what he was saying. The embassy is a total embarrassment, they visited him on Friday, a total waste of time. It’s the first time they have seen him in 10 months. There were guards present at the meeting and also a colonel of the prison. He tried to hand the embassy a letter for his mum, the colonel took it off of the embassy staff and said he will deal with it”. “The Foreign Office was pushing for the safety of the Chinese tennis player who went missing and that’s very noble but when it comes to their own citizens, they simply don’t want to know, especially if they are in the UAE. It’s trade before people”. Billy will spend his 25th birthday behind bars at notorious Al Sadr prison, in appalling conditions as he awaits the verdict of his appeal. Torture victim Artur Ligeska was held at Al Sadr describing it as “a harsh maximum security facility where The UAE consigns only the worst, most dangerous criminals and the conditions are almost medievally cruel”. Emirati lawyer Ahmed Mansoor is held at the same facility in solitary confinement where rights defenders have revealed the appalling conditions . British veteran Andy Neal was held in Al Sadr on drugs charges until finally being exonerated. The FCDO along with Billy’s lawyers have submitted an application for clemency and his safe return to London, while his family have directly appealed to the ruler to intervene in what has clearly been a miscarriage of justice. After their welfare check, the embassy reported they met with Billy and the prison Colonel. Billy was dressed in his prison whites and flip-flops. He explained that he feels let down by the Embassy’s input. He gave the Embassy’s absence at his five court hearings as an example. Billy had not been given hygiene products in solitary confinement and had been borrowing clothes to try to stay warm in the air conditioned ice box. The embassy asked whether he can buy clothes within the prison. “It’s very expensive”, he told them. They confirmed they would “try” to see whether clothes can be dropped off for him but the Colonel said no. Billy conveyed that he believed he had an ear infection and was told to request to see the doctor. “The deprivation of medication and medical assistance is commonplace throughout UAE prisons”, explained Ms Stirling, “Albert Douglas waited nine months to get his heart medication and to undergo surgery for his broken bones”. Billy has received a lot of “ant bites”, he told the embassy. When prompted by embassy staff, the Colonel explained “a decision was recently made to facilitate transfers from other Emirates to Al Sadr despite ongoing maintenance work.” He acknowledged that the conditions of the prison are not to the standard they would like them to be. Billy pleaded to embassy staff, “let Breda know that I love her and miss her too ” and that “the conditions are terrible.” As the appeal date approaches, Breda is beside herself with worry. “I’m desperate for my son to return. Nobody can imagine the kind of distress and toll his arrest has taken on this family. We can’t think of anything else. We can’t sleep. It’s just non stop pain and I feel helpless, we’re all in tears. I just want my boy home”. After Billy’s best friend Alfie organised a large protest in front of Parliament, a petition to free Billy Hood attracted more than 140,000 signatures, making it one of the leading petitions in Change.org’ s history. Detained in Dubai has raised Billy’s case with Parliamentarians, calling for support to increase travel warnings to the UAE. A three hour debate has been scheduled to help protect British citizens abroad. Join our Telegram channel for breaking news broadcasts. Follow our YouTube Channel for breaking news, podcasts and updates. Join our Facebook page for social media updates.

Billy Hood in cockroach infested “solitary confinement” in Abu Dhabi

The 24 year old footballer was sentenced to 25 years in Dubai prison over CBD vape oil left in his car by a visiting friend, is suffering...

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