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Credit: Facebook:  Mia O'Brien appeals life sentence. As Mia O’Brien’s Appeal Looms, Radha Stirling of Detained in Dubai Warns of Flawed Evidence and Repeat Failures in Dubai Justice System British law student Mia O’Brien, 23, is preparing to appeal her 25-year sentence in Dubai after being convicted of drug possession in a one day trial held entirely in Arabic. Despite pleading not guilty, Mia was found guilty in proceedings her family and legal advisers have condemned as deeply unfair. Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai , has warned that Mia’s ordeal reflects the same systemic failures in Dubai’s justice system that have repeatedly harmed British nationals. “Dubai police have a history of rushing to secure convictions without the rigorous evidentiary standards we expect in the UK. We’ve seen fabricated confessions, reliance on circumstantial evidence, and a disregard for due process. I would urge the public to withhold judgement.  Mia’s case could be the latest in a long line of miscarriages of justice.” Stirling noted that Mia’s experience is not unique. In 2020, 23-year-old Emirates flight attendant Derrin Crawford was jailed for two months after being caught up in her date’s arrest when police found cannabis in his flat. She tested negative and had no involvement, but was imprisoned nonetheless. In another case, British Army veteran Andy Neal spent more than a year behind bars accused of being part of a drug gang before he was fully exonerated when the evidence collapsed and police were found to be manufacturing the narrative. “Both Derrin and Andy were innocent yet Andy suffered years behind bars because of the UAE’s defective policing and prosecutorial practices,”  Stirling said. “Mia has pleaded not guilty from the start, but the system has already failed her. Unless this appeal is taken seriously, she risks losing decades of her life. Stirling has long highlighted the systemic problems with Dubai policing, including reliance on forced or misrepresented statements taken without legal representation, contaminated or missing evidence in narcotics cases, and a culture of ‘guilt by association’, where foreigners are arrested simply for being present. “The UAE authorities have shown again and again that their investigations cannot be trusted,”  she added.  Stirling concluded that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office should review and expand its travel warnings to reflect the risks posed by police conduct, unreliable evidence, and unfair trials in the UAE, so that British citizens are fully aware of the dangers before travelling. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai +44 7 309 114 195

Mia O’Brien’s Appeal Looms

As Mia O’Brien’s Appeal Looms, Radha Stirling of Detained in Dubai Warns of Flawed Evidence and Repeat Failures in Dubai Justice System

The UK is mirroring the UAE's draconian cybercrime laws and putting every foreign visitor to England at risk 09 September 2025 London, 9 Sep 2025  – Human rights advocate Radha Stirling  and founder of Detained in Dubai , has issued a stark warning that Britain is sliding into Gulf style authoritarianism, following a surge of arrests over social media posts and online commentary. “When a comedian like Graham Linehan can be arrested at Heathrow Airport for his posts, Britain has crossed a dangerous line,” Stirling said. “And when Lucy Connolly can be sentenced to more than two years in prison for online comments calling for mass deportations, it proves that ordinary citizens are just as vulnerable. The UK is punishing speech itself, not just conduct. For years I have criticised the UAE for its vague cybercrime laws that criminalise dissent and intimidate journalists. Now the UK is mirroring those same tactics, effectively acting like the eighth Emirate”. “For nearly two decades, I have warned about the dangers of vague, overreaching cybercrime laws in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region, laws that criminalise criticism, silence dissent, and intimidate journalists into silence. These laws were rightly condemned by the UK and the international community as tools of authoritarian control. “It is therefore chilling to now witness the United Kingdom, a country that has long prided itself as a beacon of free speech and democratic values, descending into the same pattern of repression. The recent wave of arrests over social media posts, with police detaining thousands each year including journalists, commentators, and ordinary citizens, mirrors precisely the authoritarian tactics I have fought against in the Middle East. “Britain is criminalising speech on the vaguest of grounds, what is deemed ‘offensive’, ‘grossly indecent’, or politically inconvenient. This weaponisation of law has turned public discourse into a minefield, where journalists fear publishing, comedians fear performing, and members of the public fear even pressing ‘share’. The chilling effect is unmistakable and devastating for democracy. “Much of this crisis stems from political leadership. I warned years ago of the danger of electing a prosecutor as Prime Minister. A prosecutor does not naturally champion liberty, they specialise in convictions. Keir Starmer’s record, particularly his pursuit of Julian Assange , should have been a clear warning sign. The machinery of prosecution, once turned against free speech and dissent, corrodes democracy itself. "Free speech is not a luxury, it is the foundation of an open society. To see Britain importing the worst habits of authoritarian regimes is a betrayal of its people and its history . “What is more, this sets a dangerous precedent for the world. If Britain can prosecute foreigners for posts made outside its borders, then Americans, Europeans, Australians and others could find themselves arrested when they land at Heathrow for tweets or Facebook posts they published years ago in their own countries. This practice essentially normalises the extraterritorial application of national laws, meaning every traveller risks prosecution abroad for online expression made legally in another jurisdiction. As soon as we accept that principle as a precedent, we put every citizen on the planet in jeopardy.” Stirling concluded: “I call upon the British government to urgently review these dangerous laws, to cease the persecution of individuals for online expression, and to reaffirm in action, not empty rhetoric, its commitment to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to dissent. Anything less signals to the world that Britain has abandoned the very values it once stood to defend. “But this is not only the responsibility of government. Citizens of the United Kingdom must recognise what is at stake. It is their voices, their rights, and their future that are being curtailed. If the British public does not push back against these authoritarian measures, the slide into censorship will only accelerate. History shows that once freedoms are surrendered, they are rarely returned. The people of Britain must demand better, for themselves and for the generations to come.” Radha Stirling 
 CEO and founder of 
 Detained in Dubai   
 Due Process International   
 Tel: +44 207 060 6900   
 WhatsApp: +44 7752 639948

UK Becomes the Eighth Emirate: Radha Stirling Warns of Alarming Free Speech Crackdown

The UK is mirroring the UAE's draconian cybercrime laws and putting every foreign visitor to England at risk

UAE Employment disputes huge risk to expat workers who have been left homeless, criminalised or listed on Interpol just so an employer can save on EOS payments. One of the most common triggers of wrongful criminal allegations in the UAE is not fraud, theft, or embezzlement, it is simply an employment dispute. Foreign professionals who work hard for years in Dubai often find that when it comes time to collect their end-of-service benefit, suddenly accusations appear, designed to deny them what they are legally owed. This was the case for one British national who spent years overseeing major projects in Dubai. His role was purely technical: ensuring that projects were delivered on time and to the required standard. He was not responsible for contracts, payments, or finances. But when he resigned and became entitled to a substantial end-of-service payment, he was blindsided with allegations of “abuse of power” and threats of criminal cases. The accusations centred on subcontractor invoices, yet he had never controlled budgets, signed contracts, or handled company money. All payments went directly from the finance department to subcontractors. His only responsibility was to confirm whether the work had been completed. Still, he was suddenly questioned about missing paperwork, duplicate invoices, and supposed financial impropriety. The reality was simpler: his employer did not want to pay him his end-of-service entitlement. Instead of resolving the matter through the proper civil or employment channels, they attempted to reframe it as a criminal case. Local lawyers even advised him to leave the country for his own safety while they “handled” the issue, but no evidence of wrongdoing was ever produced. Years later, there remains a risk that the UAE could escalate this baseless employment dispute into an INTERPOL Red Notice request. Such a move would be profoundly abusive: INTERPOL’s own rules forbid its systems from being used to enforce civil or contractual claims. Yet countless professionals remain trapped, unable to travel internationally for fear of wrongful arrest. “We continue to see cases where employment disputes are criminalised in order to pressure or punish expatriates,”  said Interpol expert Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai  and Due Process International.   “End-of-service benefits are a frequent flashpoint. Instead of paying what is owed, companies resort to false allegations. It’s an abuse of the UAE’s criminal justice system, and when escalated to INTERPOL, it becomes an abuse of international law.” For this British national, the impact has been devastating. He has avoided all international travel since leaving the UAE, unable to visit family abroad or even take a holiday with his wife and children. His professional reputation remains overshadowed by the risk of a Red Notice, despite the absence of any evidence of criminality. This case is just one example of how the misuse of criminal complaints in Dubai, particularly around end-of-service leave, can have lasting consequences far beyond the UAE’s borders. It underscores why prevention applications with INTERPOL are so vital for professionals who have faced such disputes. “We are seeing more and more professionals taking preventative action before a Red Notice is issued,” said Radha Stirling . “By filing confidential applications in advance, we can ensure that INTERPOL is alerted to the abusive nature of the case and block it from ever appearing on the system. Prevention affords clients peace of mind and protects their freedom of movement.” If you believe you could be at risk of an INTERPOL Notice arising from an employment or financial dispute in the UAE, it is vital to act early. Confidential prevention requests are often the difference between safe international travel and being wrongfully detained abroad. Radha Stirling CEO and founder of Detained in Dubai , IPEX Reform , Interpol Red Notice   and Due Process International    +44 7 309 114 195

Employment Disputes in Dubai Turn into INTERPOL Risks

Employment Disputes in Dubai Turn into INTERPOL Risks

Contact  Detained in Dubai  for expert advice, Interpol Red Notice prevention , debt negotiation  or emergency assistance if still in the UAE In the late 2000s, Dubai was booming with property investment. Thousands of foreign buyers were encouraged to invest in off plan developments with promises of rapid returns. Mortgages were readily offered, often secured not by assets, but by blank post dated cheques handed over as part of the financing process. When the 2008 global financial crisis hit, the market collapsed. Developers such as Nakheel revised terms or left buyers unable to recover deposits. Many investors were left with no property, no recourse, and huge debts they could not possibly service. Mortgage financiers, including government linked banks, resorted to presenting the security cheques when payments stopped. Under UAE law, a bounced cheque was and still technically is a criminal offence, even when arising from a civil or contractual dispute. One investor, unable to keep up with payments during the financial crisis, saw his 400,000 AED deposit disappear when the bank moved to cash his security cheques. What began as a default quickly escalated into litigation and the threat of criminal prosecution. More than a decade later, he was still facing a criminal complaint for AED 1.75 million. Although recent reforms were promoted as removing criminal liability for bounced cheques, in practice these changes do not apply retrospectively. Old cases remain active, allowing prosecutors and creditors to pursue debtors through the criminal system, with the added danger of INTERPOL notices long after the original dispute. “We have submitted his case to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files to ensure that any abusive attempt to circulate a Red Notice is blocked,” said Interpol and extradition expert, Radha Stirling . This is not an isolated situation. Countless foreign nationals who defaulted on mortgages during the crash still face active or threatened legal actions in the UAE. Some have been surprised to find INTERPOL Red Notices issued years later, impacting their ability to travel, work internationally, or even open a bank account. Why Prevention Matters Interpol expert Radha Stirling, the founder of IPEX Reform  and Detained in Dubai , has long warned of the dangers of INTERPOL abuse. Creditors in the UAE frequently weaponise the system to exert pressure, knowing that even the threat of a Red Notice can ruin someone’s livelihood. To counter this, her team works with at-risk individuals to file preventive requests with the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files. This proactive step means that if the UAE or another jurisdiction attempts to issue a Red Notice, INTERPOL has already been alerted to the abusive nature of the case and is far more likely to block or delete it swiftly. Advice for Those at Risk Do not assume the passage of time will protect you. Even debts and bounced cheque cases from the financial crisis era remain active. Law reforms in the UAE do not always mean practical relief. Despite announcements, old debts are still pursued, and creditors are still using criminal channels. Be proactive, not reactive. Waiting until you are detained at a border crossing or denied a visa is too late. Seek expert advice. INTERPOL is a powerful tool, but it is also vulnerable to misuse. Having professional guidance can prevent devastating consequences. Taking Control of Your Future The reality is stark. People who defaulted on mortgages during the global crash are still facing legal and reputational risks today. The best protection is prevention. Preventive action gives at risk individuals the ability to travel, work, and live without fear of unexpected arrests or humiliating detentions. If you are unsure whether you may be at risk, or you know of debts, bounced cheques, or unresolved disputes in the UAE, now is the time to act. Being proactive could mean the difference between freedom and years of legal battles. Confidential advice?   info@detainedindubai.org Contact Detained in Dubai for expert advice, Interpol Red Notice prevention, debt negotiation or emergency assistance if still in the UAE Radha Stirling CEO and founder of Detained in Dubai , IPEX Reform , Interpol Red Notice  and Due Process International   +44 7 309 114 195

Still Haunted by Old Dubai Debts - Why Proactive INTERPOL Prevention is Essential

Still Haunted by Old Dubai Debts - Why Proactive INTERPOL Prevention is Essential

Warning issued to foreigners seeking Golden Visa Sold a UAE Golden Visa that was never delivered, then turned into a criminal when he complained about it. When a family contacted us with the words “This is a sincere cry for help… we are emotionally and mentally drained” , we knew the case was urgent. Their nightmare began when the partner applied for a UAE Golden Visa through a man who appeared trustworthy and confident. He promised a smooth process and took the money with ease. But it was all a lie. There was no visa, no process, and no accountability. When they demanded the funds back, he shrugged them off. In good faith, the victim filed a civil case in an attempt to recover what was stolen, expecting the law to protect him. Instead, he was slapped with a travel ban, his bank accounts frozen, and worst of all, a criminal judgment of one year imprisonment, a million-dirham fine, and deportation. All for trying to get his own money back. To make matters worse, two lawyers they turned to for help betrayed them: one vanished when needed most, and the other claimed fees without doing any work. What started as a fraud became a spiralling abuse of process, and the system they trusted turned against them. When they contacted us, they were out of money, out of options, and terrified of what would come next. Within just two weeks of contacting Detained in Dubai, he was safely back home. Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai , commented: "We're seeing a surge in scams in the UAE, many of them perpetrated by individuals who seem to act with impunity. What’s particularly alarming is the number of Westerners setting up shop and selling immigration or legal services without any qualifications or licence to practise law. They prey on fellow expats who assume they’re legitimate. The UAE needs to crack down on these operators but too often it’s the victims who end up being punished instead." This case is yet another example of how the UAE’s justice system often punishes victims, not perpetrators. Civil disputes, scams, or visa issues frequently escalate into criminal penalties, travel bans, and even imprisonment. No one should be imprisoned or deported for trying to recover money they were scammed out of. At Detained in Dubai , we have seen this story play out far too often but we also know there is always  a solution. If you or someone you know is trapped in a similar situation, contact us  immediately. Early intervention can make all the difference. Detained in Dubai - Contact Page   Detained in Dubai - Contact Page   Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai +44 7 309 114 195

Golden Visa Nightmare - Fraud warning issued.

We're seeing a surge in scams in the UAE - many run by Westerners pretending to be legal experts. They take people's money with no qualifications, and the victims are the ones punished. It's out of control.
Radha Stirling

Lee Murray Family Pleads for UK Intervention as Letters Sent to David Lammy, Shabana Mahmood and Hamish Falconer Ahead of Morocco’s Mass Clemency Announcement. Human rights groups are calling on the UK government to urgently intervene on behalf of British citizen Lee Murray, who has now spent 19 years in a Moroccan prison, amid reports that over 20,000 prisoners may be pardoned this Wednesday as part of the annual Throne Day celebrations. Lee Murray, a former MMA fighter, was convicted in Morocco of a crime committed on UK soil after the UK was unable to extradite him. His prosecution was widely believed to have been encouraged by UK diplomatic pressure, a highly unusual move that raises serious concerns about the UK’s use of foreign jurisdictions as proxies for domestic prosecutions. Despite nearly two decades behind bars and multiple mass pardons over the years, Lee has never received a single day of clemency, even though most of his co-defendants have already been released. His family believes this may be due to a standing position by the UK government, or Morocco awaiting an explicit diplomatic signal from London. Lee’s wife, Nicola Murray, said: “Lee is suffering serious health problems after 19 years in harsh conditions. He’s never even held his granddaughter. Other prisoners with far more serious convictions have been pardoned. Why is Lee always left out? We are begging the UK government to help us bring him home before it’s too late.” On a call from prison, Lee Murray reflected on two decades in jail: “I’ve watched my children grow up in photos. I’ve never even held my granddaughter. I’ve served my time. I just want a chance to come home and rebuild my life.” Due Process International  and Detained in Dubai  are supporting the Murray family in their calls to the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Special MENA Representative Hamish Falconer, urging them to issue a formal statement in support of clemency and to deliver a diplomatic note to Moroccan authorities without delay. “We’ve seen convicted terrorists and killers released early from UK prisons”, Radha Stirling  said in a statement, “and Morocco has pardoned offenders of all kinds, yet Lee Murray remains imprisoned after 19 years. The UK effectively outsourced his prosecution, and now it must step up and support clemency. The UK was highly conflicted when it pushed a foreign country to prosecute its own citizen for ordinary crimes committed on UK soil. The country has a duty to its own citizens and we are calling on the British government to support Lee’s clemency request. He deserves a chance to rebuild his life”. — Radha Stirling, Founder of Due Process International and Detained in Dubai 🙏 Public Call to Action Members of the public can help by contacting the UK officials below and urging them to support clemency for Lee: David Lammy MP  (Foreign Secretary): 📧 david.lammy.mp@parliament.uk Shabana Mahmood MP  (Justice Secretary): 📧 shabana.mahmood.mp@parliament.uk Hamish Falconer MP  (Special Representative for the MENA region): 📧 hamish.falconer.mp@parliament.uk 📢 Suggested message : “Please support clemency for Lee Murray, a British citizen imprisoned for 19 years in Morocco. With a mass pardon expected this week, Lee must not be left behind again. His health is failing. A UK diplomatic statement could save his life.” You can also: Share on social media  using the hashtag #FreeLeeMurray Tag MPs, journalists, and rights groups Sign and share the petition Radha Stirling CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

Urgent UK intervention needed for Lee Murray clemency appeal

British citizen Lee Murray, has now spent 19 years in a Moroccan prison

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

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

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

Marcus Fakana returns home after Dubai jail ordeal over holiday romance PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release 7 July 2025 Marcus Fakana Returns Home to the UK After Ordeal in Dubai Detained in Dubai is delighted to confirm that Marcus Fakana returned safely to the United Kingdom on Thursday, the 3rd July, following his months-long prison ordeal in the United Arab Emirates. Marcus, a 19-year-old from London, was arrested and imprisoned earlier this year over a consensual holiday relationship with another British tourist who was just months younger than him, a fact he was not aware of at the time. His case drew widespread attention and outrage, highlighting the UAE’s draconian laws that criminalise personal relationships and disproportionately target foreign nationals. “ Marcus should never have been put through this.   He was supposed to spend a short few days with his family but ended up spending nearly a year in the tourist destination.  We are thrilled that after an intensive campaign, he was officially pardoned and is  home safe, surrounded by those who love him,” said Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai , an organisation that has helped more than 25,000 foreigners facing legal issues abroad over the past 18 years. “This was an extraordinary young man caught in a deeply unjust system. We thank everyone who stood by Marcus and helped bring him home.” His release follows sustained pressure from Detained in Dubai’s legal and advocacy teams, as well as public support, behind-the-scenes diplomatic discussions and a royal pardon application. The family confirmed his arrival and expressed immense gratitude for the support received throughout the campaign. “Marcus is back where he belongs,”  Stirling said.  “But no one should have to endure this.   He was 18 at the time and the British woman involved is now 18 too, a fact she did not divulge to him at the time.  We hope his story will prompt serious reconsideration of the UK’s travel advice and its engagement with the UAE on human rights issues.  Dubai could have chosen to fine and to deport him. Instead, the 18 year old  was sentenced to one year in prison.  The impact on his life has been severe and there was no need for him to endure such trauma”.   Detained in Dubai has long criticised the UAE for having double standards, saying "foreign visitors are treated as hardened criminals for the pettiest of conduct, while Emiratis and Gulf nationals involved in serious sex related crime and prostitution are given a free pass." Detained in Dubai continues to call for urgent reform of laws that routinely entrap and criminalise innocent visitors to the UAE. Further details of Marcus’s experience and the circumstances of his release will be made available in the coming days. “There has been significant press interest and Marcus will want to tell his story once he’s recovered. We invite members of the media to email us at press@detainedindubai.org   to arrange interviews." Detained in Dubai continues to support individuals facing legal jeopardy in the Gulf region and has assisted over 25,000 people in cases involving wrongful detention, travel risks, and legal abuse. The organisation’s mobile app offers real-time alerts, legal resources, and emergency contact tools for those travelling or living abroad.  Follow Detained in Dubai on social media for important updates, warnings and emergency help. When it feels like there’s no way forward, Detained in Dubai is known for finding solutions where others can’t. Press Contact: Radha Stirling , CEO @  Detained in Dubai .   WhatsApp +44 7309 114 195  ​ X Profile @radhastirling

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

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

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

Former INTERPOL Chief Detained in Dubai

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

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

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

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

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

Interpol prevention for British man prosecuted over Vapes in Qatar

British Man Spared INTERPOL Red Notice After Qatar Vape Arrest

UAE Extradites Sean McGovern in Image Makeover Attempt But Rule of Law Remains in Question Dublin, Ireland:   30 May 2025 Extradition expert Radha Stirling warns the Emirates remains a dangerous jurisdiction despite headline-grabbing extradition The United Arab Emirates has extradited Sean McGovern, an alleged associate of the Kinahan cartel, to Ireland in a move widely portrayed as a sign that the country is no longer a haven for transnational crime. But according to Radha Stirling , an Interpol and Extradition expert and founder of Detained in Dubai , the action is less about judicial reform and more about managing international optics. “This extradition is being used as a public relations exercise,”  Stirling said. “The UAE wants to shed its reputation as a criminal safe haven, especially under pressure from Interpol, the FATF, and Western allies. But one extradition doesn’t reflect meaningful change in a legal system that remains opaque, politicised, and lacking in basic due process.” Stirling, who has represented dozens of clients facing wrongful detention, politicised prosecutions, and retaliatory extradition attempts in the UAE, warns that the Emirates remains an unpredictable and unsafe jurisdiction for anyone who finds themselves accused, whether fairly or not. “Extraditions from the UAE are rarely the result of impartial legal proceedings. More often, they are part of political or diplomatic bargaining. Quid pro quo arrangements that have little to do with justice. This makes it incredibly dangerous for anyone with business disputes, political enemies, or public profiles that might make them a target.” While the UAE’s cooperation in extraditing McGovern is likely to be promoted as a gesture of good faith, Stirling says it must be viewed in the broader context of selective enforcement and strategic image management. “The UAE continues to host high-profile individuals facing serious international scrutiny. Yet enforcement appears to depend not on the strength of evidence, but on whether the person in question is politically and economically expendable. There is no consistency or transparency and that should deeply concern Ireland and all countries engaging in extradition treaties with the UAE.” Stirling is also founder of IPEX Reform  and Due Process International , organisations which have repeatedly raised concerns over abuse of INTERPOL systems and misuse of bilateral extradition agreements. “McGovern’s extradition will be used to polish the UAE’s image. But the same risks remain, including arbitrary arrests, lack of fair trials, and politically motivated prosecutions. It is vital that Western governments approach such cooperation with caution and scrutiny.” Despite repeated marketing efforts by the UAE to present itself as a modern and law-abiding partner in global security, Stirling warns that the fundamental legal landscape remains unchanged, putting foreign nationals at risk. ENDS For further comment or interviews with Radha Stirling: 📧 press@detainedindubai.org 📞 +44 (0)20 7222 5272 🌐   www.detainedindubai.org

UAE Extradites Sean McGovern in Image Makeover Attempt

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

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