top of page

NEWS

Due Process International is bringing the world’s attention to recent extrajudicial arrests and charges of Directors, lawyers and supporters of the Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation in the Western Province (Papua New Guinea). At Due Process International, we are deeply concerned about due process and human rights. We note the developments in Papua New Guinea in relation to litigation around the Ok Tedi mine and associated compensation funds. For decades, many millions of tonnes of contaminated mining waste have been discharged annually into Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) Ok Tedi and Fly River systems. There are several compensation funds meant to be assisting the 165 pollution affected villages in the Ok Tedi and Fly River region. The control of these compensation funds, and whether they are being properly utilised to assist the pollution affected communities, has been the subject of considerable litigation over many years. In the case of the Western Province Community Mine Continuation Agreement Region People’s Dividend Trust Account, on the 5 September 2018, PNG’s National Court ordered that Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation (“ OTFRDF ”) be appointed trustee of those WPPDTA-CMCA funds. We express alarm and concern in relation to the arrests of the directors of OTFRDF Directors Edna Oai, Annie Smerewai and Boston Kasiman as well as the arrest of Gregory James Sheppard, the lawyer representing OTFRDF. The manner and circumstances in which these arrests have occurred causes Due Process International concern as to the due process of these procedures and the human rights of the accused. For example, Edna Oai is 45 years old of ill health, a mother of 3 children, and a director representing girls and women on the OTFRDF board. She was extremely ill and was undressed at the time of her arrest, with no time given to her to dress herself. Shortly after arrest, she was admitted to hospital while in custody. Further, serious allegations backed by considerable evidence have been made that these arrests were ordered and funded improperly, making them entirely extrajudicial in nature. In a related development, PNG's financial regulator the Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit says an investigation of local Bank of South Pacific (BSP) has found "detailed and compelling evidence" of contraventions of the country's anti-money laundering act. We continue to monitor the situation, but we particularly note the evidence made public by PNG’s Leader of the Opposition Hon Belden Norman Namah MP and the formal complaints provided and tendered to various authorities in PNG and Australia . While the allegations have predictably been denied, the circumstances and evidence have put DPI on the alert of what are deeply concerning allegations. The matters Mr Namah raises in his letters and the evidence he outlines in those letters, give rise to the need for further clarity and accountability of the situation. Due Process International will be monitoring the situation closely and keeping the world’s media informed. Background The BHP-founded Ok Tedi Mine has caused significant environmental damage over a number of decades. As result of this, numerous compensation and redevelopment funds have been established. Ownership and management of these funds have been hotly contested, including an ongoing legal dispute over the Western Province People’s Dividend Trust Fund ($106m AUD). After winning legal action in 2018 (as well as a subsequent appeal to a superior court), Ok Tedi Fly River Development Fund Ltd (OTFRDF) was appointed the trustee of certain funds and commenced administration of the funds. Notwithstanding the court direction, which has been upheld on appeal to a senior court, factions within the PNG Government are now alleging and charging directors that their administration of this fund amounts to conspiracy and misappropriation. Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation | For the people of the Ok Tedi River. Read More

Due Process International calls out extrajudicial police abuses in PNG Ok Tedi Fly River Dispute

Due Process International is bringing the world’s attention to recent extrajudicial arrests and charges of Directors, lawyers and...

Read More
Escalating diplomatic efforts for Brit detained in Dubai British investors have warned businesses and investors to avoid Dubai Expo over human rights concerns. - Khater Massaad warns investors: Sheikh uses 'forced confessions' to seize assets abroad “It is impossible for investment ambassadors to promote the UAE without criticism, while there are very serious incidences of human rights abuses against foreign nationals, especially investors, in Dubai”, said Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai and Gulf Investment Monitor . “Over the past decade, investors have been targeted by authorities, by the government and by private individuals who would rather persecute the foreigner, than see them actually profit from their investment”. Stirling is an expert witness who has helped in numerous cases involving the targeting of innocent British investors and entrepreneurs. “It is absolutely abysmal to see Dubai’s proceeds from the theft of British investments, being used to market the centre to more future victims. Dubai hides behind a façade, covered up by glitzy events and public relations endeavours, but the truth is, successful investors are at great risk of being targeted as a means to misappropriate their wealth. The consequences include wrongful detention, forced confessions, human rights violations and even torture. - Torture in the Emirates “We have seen it in the case of Safi Qurashi , the man who bought Great Britain in the Dubai World project. We’ve seen it with Ryan Cornellius , with Marcus Lee and now, we’re seeing it live with Albert Douglas ”. “Albert is a sixty year old grandfather who has been detained in Dubai over bounced cheques he didn’t write and for a company’s debts that he didn’t own. André Gauthier was held for six years before being completely exonerated, but abuse still continues. Albert has been denied his heart medication, beaten and forced to drink from a toilet forcet. Why? Because he was seen as a wealthy entrepreneur to be looted and milked”. - FCO talks to Grandfather beaten and forced to drink from toilet in Dubai jail Albert’s family has called for the boycotting of Dubai Expo, lobbying in front of Parliament last week , “Do not invest in a country or be involved in the promotion of a country who would treat British citizens as worthless animals to be used, robbed and discarded. The legal system offers no protection. The courts won’t even hear evidence of innocence and won’t bother to conduct forensics that would exonerate their target”, said Wolfgang Douglas, Albert’s son. Albert’s detention has attracted a significant amount of support with Baroness Whitaker and Andy Slaughter, MP calling for increased travel warnings and sanctions against the UAE for the ongoing inhumane treatment of British nationals abroad. In a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two MP’s said: On the matter of the FCO travel warnings, we reviewed the advice before making the recommendation for amendments. While the current advice outlines the law in relation to bounced cheques and other financially related crimes, it provides no insight into the core issues that result in the unfair detention of British citizens abroad. The UAE has been highlighted for unfair trials, forced confessions, lengthy and unfair detentions, human rights violations, torture and even a death in custody. The English courts cite the reasons for denying extradition being ‘unfair trials, discrimination and the real risk of human rights violations and torture’. This in itself, confirms the lack of due process in Dubai. The fact that a British citizen can be wrongfully accused of a crime, arrested, held without charge for lengthy periods of time, forced to confess and convicted without evidence then subsequently beaten or tortured, should warrant the FCO to issue a severe warning. we urge you and the FCO to include these additional warnings on the website. This, in our belief, will protect the lives and safety of our citizens and encourage the UAE to improve conditions in the future.” - Baroness & MP call for increased travel warnings to UAE and Sanctions The UAE Ambassador to the UK agreed to discuss the issues in “Autumn”, but said he was “shocked” to hear allegations of torture. Stirling responded, “the UAE’s Ambassador can not be shocked to hear allegations of human rights abuses, not when we have seen a death in custody, multiple United Nations allegations, Matthew Hedges ’ lawsuit and the British courts refusing extradition based on torture. The UAE has attacked a US yacht in international waters, kidnapped a princess from UK soil, and is known for harbouring criminals, for money laundering and Iran sanction violations. The Ambassador’s response rings like MBS saying ‘he had no idea’ about Khashoggi’s execution. “We have written to the UK UAE Business Council and investment groups, as well as Lord Udny-Lister to advise them of these serious and well documented risks to investors and of their complicity in promoting a country to British citizens who affords no protection”. “The British government and foreign office has done nothing to help my father”, said Wolfgang Douglas, who is devastated that his father may die in prison. Albert’s wife hand delivered an emotional plea to Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. Hundreds of British nationals have criticised the FCDO for turning away from their own countrymen in favour of a more profitable relationship with the Gulf nation. “This has to stop”, added Wolfgang. “How many more citizens do we need to see beaten, tortured or killed, before prominent names like Lord Udny-Lister stop promoting the country. The UK government must stand up for Albert or else we are giving the green light to abuse individuals whose lives seem to mean nothing in that country. My father loved the UAE and worked very hard, but the more successful you become, the more at risk of abuse you are. Investors need to know that the UAE is the riskiest place in the world to do business. “Please do not support the Dubai Expo. Supporting Dubai’s expo will put people’s lives at risk”. Related resources and media: - Londoner cautions: Dubai one of the riskiest places to invest or do business in. Theft of foreigners' businesses is permitted & encouraged. - Stirling urges FCO to update travel warnings in light of Laleh Shahravesh case - Legal expert warns Radio 4 listeners it is “highly risky” to go to UAE

“Don’t support Dubai Expo”, warn British investors

Escalating diplomatic efforts for Brit detained in Dubai British investors have warned businesses and investors to avoid Dubai Expo over...

Read More
USA today issued a report that the FBI assisted Dubai to capture Princess Latifa, US citizen Hervé Jaubert and his crew, from his US flagged yacht in international waters . Jaubert and his crew were forcibly taken to the UAE and held for several weeks before release. A USA Today report makes some serious allegations against the FBI, including violations of protocol and negligence that led to the violent assault and abduction of a US citizen . The report alleges that Sheikh Mohammed claimed to US agents that Latifa had been kidnapped, despite her history of escape attempts. The FBI, it alleges, wanted to play ‘hero’ and help the Sheikh by obtaining locational data via Nostromo’s US based satellite provider, GFH. In the absence of a subpoena, the FBI may have violated local laws and protocols in doing so. - Taken from a US yacht: Princess Latifa & Hervé Jaubert - Did the US condone the attack? The FBI, The UAE Embassy in Washington DC, the White House and the State department declined to comment. According to the source, “The FBI appeared to have departed from its own guidelines for legal attachés, known as "legats," whose collective mission is to cultivate ties with host countries and advance global law enforcement cooperation. Rather than seek a subpoena for Nostromo’s location, they circumvented protocols by contacting GFH and pleading a “public safety emergency”. - Safety of Princess Latifa leaves attack on Nostromo unresolved “If indeed the FBI were involved in assisting Dubai, they were clearly deceived by the UAE who were fully aware that Princess Latifa had fled of her own volition. In any case, if the FBI were to assist a foreign government attack a US flagged yacht in international waters with a US citizen on board, they breached protocol. They did not attempt to contact Nostromo. They did not send US forces to assist or supervise the UAE or to prevent the violent assault of their citizens by allied forces”, said Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai who was contacted by Princess Latifa and Hervé Jaubert during the attack. Stirling instructed the United Nations involvement on behalf of Princess Latifa and Hervé Jaubert , reported the attack to authorities and released Latifa’s video to the media. Several CIA and FBI agents have been baffled by the allegation of involvement. They find it hard to believe that they would circumvent protocols, but it would not be the first time. - UN Body Seeks India's Response to Charge of Complicity in Abduction of Dubai Princess Stirling continued, “ There are a number of explanations for how Nostromo may have been located, and we intend to get to the bottom of this through a series of Freedom of Information requests and legal actions . However, the main issue has always been that the people onboard Nostromo had every right to feel safe and under the protection of international law. Nostromo should never have been violently attacked. When forces boarded the yacht, Latifa repeatedly requested asylum and informed them she did not want to return to Dubai. She said she would rather die. If there was previously any doubt, at this point, it was clear that the allegations of kidnapping were false. Still though, Nostromo and all onboard were abducted and forced to enter the UAE. “The UAE has never compensated the victims of the attack nor accepted responsibility or suffered sanctions for misleading the United States and India by falsely stating that Latifa had been kidnapped. “This was not the first time the ruler’s daughter had escaped. His other daughter, Sheikha Shamsa , also fled his custody in England and she too, was kidnapped and returned to the UAE”. Radha Stirling discusses attack on Nostromo in Washington DC “This incident needs to be properly analysed by the US government and the courts to ensure it never happens again. No US citizen on a US flagged yacht should ever be abducted again. This was a blatant violation of international law and the beginning of the escalating belligerence of Gulf nationals, ultimately leading to Khashoggi’s execution. “We must ensure justice is done in this case, or we will see more acts of violence in the future.” - ‘Quid Pro Quo UAE’ using diplomacy to expand powers

USA Today says FBI helped Dubai capture princess

USA today issued a report that the FBI assisted Dubai to capture Princess Latifa, US citizen Hervé Jaubert and his crew, from his US...

Read More
The first thing most foreign nationals do when they experience problems abroad is to contact their embassies. It is fair to say that people expect their countries’ diplomats to swoop in and protect them with all the weight of their governments behind them, particularly citizens of Western democracies. The experience of British nationals in the UAE could not be further from this expectation. “You are actually on your own,” says Jamie Harron, a British citizen who was detained in the UAE 3 years ago after brushing past a man in a Dubai nightclub who later accused him of assault. When Harron contacted the British Embassy, he was told that they could not get involved in the case. Harron’s experience is representative. Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai , who has helped free thousands of British nationals from wrongful detention in the UAE says that the FCO is letting British citizens down. “Typically, consular staff just provide people with a list of local lawyers, visit inmates with inconsistent frequency, and help relay communication with their families,” Stirling explains, “There is no question that the FCO has the power to intervene and resolve cases where injustice and abuse are obvious; as we saw in the Matthew Hedges case; but the fact is, the FCO seldom gets involved .” Matthew Hedges was a British scholar arrested in Dubai on false charges of espionage while working on his PhD thesis in the Emirates. Former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt castigated the UAE over the case and even threatened sanctions, leading to Hedges eventually being pardoned by the Ruler of Dubai. “We have seen very positive engagement by other foreign governments in the past,” Stirling says, “ The Australian government , the Americans, even the Malaysian foreign minister actively intervened when a Malaysian businessman was wrongfully detained in Ras Al Khaimah to secure his release. But the FCO is conspicuously passive and acquiescent to the UAE, and citizens deserve better.” Laleh Shahravesh, a Briton arrested in Dubai in 2019 over a Facebook post and prosecuted under the country’s oppressive Cybercrime laws , says she regrets having ever reached out to the British embassy. “They did absolutely nothing,” she recalls, even saying that consular staff’s advice was partly to blame for her being detained for 12 hours of questioning in a Dubai police station, “I wish to this day that I had not taken their advice.” Stirling’s organisation has long lobbied the FCO to increase their travel warnings about the UAE so that British tourists are better informed of the risks they face in the country, “Even after the death in custody of Lee Bradley Brown 10 years ago , and countless British citizens who have been falsely accused, detained, tortured, and abused after having committed no crime; the FCO is still telling people that the UAE is safe as long as you respect the laws and culture. They do not warn citizens that the legal system in the Emirates is systemically rigged against foreigners, that there is no evidentiary standard for prosecution, no due process, no respect for human rights, and that you can go to jail for literally no reason whatsoever if a local decides they dislike you,” Stirling explains. Not only is the FCO failing to intervene on behalf of British citizens, Stirling reveals that numerous sources have reported being urged by consular staff specifically to not seek the help of Detained in Dubai. “This is particularly disgraceful,” she comments, “Our organisation has a proven track record of success, and had any of our clients relied solely on the FCO, there is little doubt that their cases would not have been resolved.” Analysts point to what they see as the shift in the balance of power between the UK and UAE in recent years, with the UK increasingly concerned with trade deals and investment from the Gulf. The UAE is Britain’s leading trade partner in the MENA region, and pumps billions of pounds of investment into the UK every year. “Many of our cases involve media campaigns to highlight UAE injustice,” Stirling explains, “We bring attention to the uglier elements of the UAE government and legal system, and it appears the FCO is as uncomfortable with that as is the UAE, and perhaps that is why they discourage people from contacting us. Ultimately, the British government has to ask itself if the economic ties between the two countries are more important than the safety of British citizens.” Tensions between the FCO and the families of British citizens unjustly detained in the UAE, as well as growing public outrage over the abuses Britons have suffered in the Emirates is reaching a boiling point. Protests erupted last month over the continued detention of British citizen Albert Douglas, arrested over bounced cheques written by his son. Douglas has reportedly been tortured, beaten, and denied medication for both his injuries and a chronic heart condition. “Consular staff claim that Albert is being helped and has been given medicine,” Stirling says, “ But Albert himself says otherwise. We are no longer living in a world where information can be kept secret; the government cannot say they are involved and assisting when they are not. This is not a matter of being better at PR or spin, the FCO has to actually take action because we will all know when they don’t.” The case of Albert Douglas, and the unresponsiveness of the FCO, has been brought up by Members of Parliament Baroness Whitaker and Andrew Slaughter along with Radha Stirling , who have also written to the UK-UAE Business Council over their concerns. “We are pressing for intervention for Albert Douglas, but beyond that,” Stirling explains, “We need to see the Foreign Office take a stand for all British citizens in the UAE; to no longer abandon them when they get unjustly swept up in the UAE legal system, and to adequately warn them of the dangers before they travel to Dubai. We need to see accountability, and we need Britons to be genuinely protected. Gulf investment in the UK should not act as a pay off whereby those countries have a license to abuse our citizens who land on their shores.” Further resources and related articles: - Family of British businessman, 66, who has untreated tuberculosis in Dubai jail where 'body of prisoner who died of Covid lay in cell next door for eight hours' accuse UK of 'doing nothing' to ensure his welfare - Richard Lau release from 10 months of detention without charge imminent - Woman detained in Dubai over “horse” comment discovers it was all over money - Family's desperate plea to save grandfather Albert from 'totally inhumane' Dubai jail

The FCO is broken

The first thing most foreign nationals do when they experience problems abroad is to contact their embassies. It is fair to say that...

Read More
Over the past three years, Qatar has significantly increased its use of Interpol’s database, leading to the temporary arrests of a number of foreign nationals in countries like Britain, Greece and Turkey. “It’s absurd that Qatar has been permitted by Interpol to use their database as a means to collect bank and credit card debts from foreign nationals”, said expert witness Radha Stirling , CEO of IPEX (Interpol and Extradition) Reform (Interpol and Extradition) Reform. Banks have pressured Qatari law enforcement to report even small debtors to Interpol, with a view to having them detained abroad and pressured to discharge credit cards and loans. This is clearly against INTERPOL’s charter and is a violation of their membership agreement but, as usual, Interpol would rather accept the donations from Middle Eastern countries and remain silent, than to punish them for abusing Interpol’s power and reputation. - An Emirati’s potential appointment as Interpol head draws criticism “These people are not being arrested because EU countries respect Qatar. They are being arrested because Qatar is routing their request through a reputable organisation, but that organisation is losing respect fast. “ Conor Howard was recently arrested in Greece over an herb grinder. It was a joke and he was finally released after a worldwide campaign. Alan Stevenson was arrested in Czech where local authorities called it “an abuse of his rights”. British national, Steve Williams, was detained in Mallorca over a Qatar bank debt that had been trebled. - Stevenson detention ‘an abuse of his rights’ “We are pleased that we have today received word that a British national’s name has been deleted from Interpol’s database, but it should never have been there in the first place. It was another frivolous notice issued by a bank, portraying that the victim was some kind of seasoned criminal. Interpol allowed themselves a significant amount of time to review his case before finally removing it but there is no apology, no punishment for Qatar and no compensation for the victim. “The pattern of abuse and the history of corruption within Interpol should be sufficient for the elimination of their sovereign immunity. They are not acting on behalf of governments. They are acting on behalf of their financial donors, banks and influential private corporations and individuals. They have no right to claim diplomatic immunity”.

Another Qatar Interpol Red Notice removed

Over the past three years, Qatar has significantly increased its use of Interpol’s database, leading to the temporary arrests of a number...

Read More
The Gulf in Justice Podcast is producing a special 10 part exposé on Ras Al Khaimah with the ruler's former advisor, Dr Khater Massaad . The never heard before material will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts and YouTube. The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and its ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi will be discussed by the ruler’s closest aid and former CEO of RAKIA and RAK Ceramics, Dr Khater Massaad, in a ten part exposé beginning next week. Massaad will discuss RAK’s history and his own arrival in the UAE, the development of the RAK Ceramics, Al Hamra Real Estate that included hotels, golf clubs, the marina and apartment complexes. The in depth series will cover Sheikh Saud as the Crown Prince, RAK Development and RAKIA achievements, then talk about lesser known investments in Georgia, India, Congo, Indonesia, Armenia and Iran. In Episode 6, Massaad will discuss how Sheikh Saud started a campaign against his brother, Sheikh Khaled in the lead up to his bid for the throne, appointing various companies and individuals to tarnish his brother and to enhance his own image and relations with Saudi, all in the midst of his panic over the economic crisis and RAK’s credit rating. Massaad will talk about the game of thrones style battle that ensued within the family as the ruler became ill, even leading to Abu Dhabi sending military to guard Saud’s rival brother as Saud seized power. Then after decades of brotherhood, Khater Massaad, along with numerous others, were persecuted by Sheikh Saud, the new ruler. Massaad will detail his arrest, the false judgments, human rights abuse and Interpol abuse. In the final two episodes, Massaad will discuss Saud’s visit to the United States, the Minnesota case where Saud was charged with sexual assault, his US lobbying endeavours. Washington and Iran sanction violations. Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International , has carried out a years-long investigation into Ras Al Khaimah and will shed light on related cases and issues throughout the series.

Ras Al Khaimah Podcast Series with Khater Massaad & Radha Stirling

The Gulf in Justice Podcast is producing a special 10 part exposé on Ras Al Khaimah with the ruler's former advisor, Dr Khater Massaad. ...

Read More
“Please save his life Sheikh Mohammed”, pleads wife of Dubai detainee In a heartfelt letter hand delivered to the UAE Embassy in London, Naomi Douglas begs for Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum’s intervention in her husband’s wrongful detention. Naomi has met Sheikh Mohammed and their grandchildren went to school together. “Naomi and her family have been in despair over Albert’s arrest and detention”, said Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai. “Their businesses have been looted and their bank accounts emptied. This is all of Albert’s hard work in Dubai over the last decades lost to predatorial and false allegations against him. The courts refused to admit bundles of evidence that would prove Albert’s innocence. No forensics were undertaken on the cheques he was accused of bouncing and no investigation was undertaken. Naomi, in desperation, is appealing to Sheikh Mohammed for Albert’s life, not knowing whether she will ever see her husband again”. Naomi’s letter reads: I am writing on behalf of my husband Mr Albert Leonard Douglas. A British expat that has lived full time in Dubai since 2003 and has worked and invested into Dubai since 1997 without a blemish to his good name. He has been unfortunately jailed as a consequence of his son’s business failings whereas he was catatonically not involved in any wrong doings despite the distorted allegations made against him, whereas he has personally always been a true supporter of Dubai and the vision of Dubai. He has suffered terrible emotional and even physical actual damage beyond description as you may already be aware of during his detention so far. My husband is an old, frail and soft man that has never been convicted of a crime in his entire life until this time, whereas he never dreamed that he would ever be put in such an extremely vulnerable and compromising position of unjust attacks against his good name or character like this. Albert further suffers from a medical condition called angina, a heart condition that has seen no care of or medication for to date by the UAE prison authorities despite our relentless requests to be considered, also to note that in one such instance where he was even physically beaten when pleading for his much needed heart medication while he was being held at the Al Ain Central Prison by the soldier guards back in February of this year. As an older and more frail man as was already terrified at that time due to the environment he found himself in, as well as the traumatic situation he has now been put in generally, alongside the sometimes inhumane treatment to himself and to many of the others around him, he obviously has never recovered from the irreversible physical and mental harm that he suffered from that day till this. Unfortunately this is not the only human rights violation to his health and well-being I am saddened to report, so far ignored by the UAE authorities as he continues to suffer from the consequences of his beating with on-going regular dizziness, pains, migraines and other lasting health effects to his head and body trauma. He has mentally been broken, financially been ruined and emotionally been destroyed, all of which is despite the very real fact that he was not any part of any wrongdoings of the actual main case in real life and is in turn suffering all of the serious backlash consequences of his own business failings as a direct result of the financial entrapment as associated with the main case against him. All of his assets have now been lost to him, his business has been completely ransacked and looted, not to mention how his dignity was stripped from him in every way imaginable. The uncountable amount of opportunists that have taken advantage of him at every opportunity has been endless, making false claims as well as simply in many cases lying for their own gains while taking whatever they could from their positions of power or leverage while he was in this horrible situation of complete helplessness. I ask and I beg you as the ruler of Dubai, as a grandfather, father and a husband yourself, please will you look to see if there is any possible means in pardoning, releasing or deporting my husband in this one off case of extraordinary circumstance as it has been handled and left in. He has quite literally been betrayed by all of those around him in business, he has been beaten and now he is facing endless related consequences from his time in detention. I have in the past met you personally during several exhibitions back in the days you would attend yourself personally, my grandchildren would even go to school together, I have even followed you throughout my knowing you as a kind and humble man that I know you can be, and today I humbly ask for your kind intervention into this horrible case that has seen my husband go through as a victim of circumstances rather than a criminal through no fault of his own at the time, please can you help save his life.

“Please save his life Sheikh Mohammed”, pleads wife of Dubai detainee

“Please save his life Sheikh Mohammed”, pleads wife of Dubai detainee In a heartfelt letter hand delivered to the UAE Embassy in London,...

Read More
Albert Douglas’s son, Albert Coleman Jr was finally able to leave Dubai after months long ordeal that his brother describes as a “hostage situation”. Albert Douglas was arrested five months ago for “bounced cheques” that he did not write and that weren’t related to his own company. The cheques in question belonged to his son’s company. “It’s common for relatives to be detained in Dubai over bounced cheques or bank debts, even if they had nothing to do with the cheque”, explained Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai. “Even in cases where husbands and wives have been separated, they have still been held responsible for the debts of their spouse as in the case of Morag Koussa. Although this is against local law, the practice is commonplace and puts innocent people at risk of detention”. Albert Coleman Douglas Junior surrendered his passport as security against his father’s bail but police refused to return it to him. “Five months after Albert was incarcerated and only through Detained In Dubai’s campaign, the family’s tireless efforts; at a huge financial and emotional cost, Albert-Coleman Douglas Junior has finally been allowed to leave the UAE in what can only be described as a travesty of justice”, said Londoner Wolfgang Douglas, who has been tirelessly campaigning for his father’s release. “Albert was held as a hostage to intimidate and frighten my father into confessing to crimes he hadn’t committed. My brother is autistic and they should never have taken his passport or done this to him. It’s been nothing short of traumatic for our whole family, but especially my poor brother. Despite all of the ridiculous attempts to bully my father and hold my brother as an effective hostage, he has never conceded any guilt as he is, in fact, innocent of the allegations against him. “Local PRO’s and lawyers were needed to battle the UAE prosecutors. We are sure that without Detained in Dubai’s pressure and their own legal actions, to this day an autistic young man that has done nothing wrong would still be held captive by the UAE authorities in this completely outrageous case of abuse of power. “My brother is now in hotel quarantine and we are all desperate to see him. Coming home to a very surreal new reality, something apocalyptic to him as he has himself been subjected to unbelievable trauma. But our family is not complete without my father. If he were guilty, of course we could accept the punishment but he is not and it’s tearing our family apart that this can happen to him, a kind and gentle man who has done nothing but speak well of the UAE for decades.” Stirling highlighted that Dubai’s 2020 Expo has been rescheduled for October this year, “We have taken steps to inform investor and business groups that the promotion of the UAE as a stable centre for commercial activities is putting people at risk of significant financial loss, imprisonment and human rights violations. We have written to foreign minister, Rt Hon. Dominic Raab, MP, with our suggested amendments to the FCO’s official travel warnings for British citizens. Albert’s wife, Naomi, is calling on Dubai ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum to help her husband, a 60 year old grandfather, return to her in England.”

Albert Douglas’s son finally in UK after Dubai ordeal

Albert Douglas’s son, Albert Coleman Jr was finally able to leave Dubai after months long ordeal that his brother describes as a “hostage...

Read More
Dieter Kellouche waited days for surgery, was deprived of painkillers after being attacked in his bunk bed. German national, Dieter Kellouche, was violently assaulted in a UAE prison over a container of instant noodles. Dieter was taken to hospital with a broken foot but there were ‘not enough beds’ so he was returned to prison where he waited for medical attention for 3 days. He was denied painkillers and left in a vulnerable state. Dieter’s wife, Suki, desperately lobbied the German embassy to help him get treatment but said “they did nothing for Dieter”. “It’s outrageous that the German government has not stepped in. Dieter was jailed because a Sheikh decided to put him there. When will Germany call out this injustice and let the UAE know that injustices like these will not be tolerated. Dieter has done nothing wrong, but because a Sheikh is involved, the courts automatically rule in his favour. The Sheikh asked for money to end Dieter's life sentence but Dieter didn’t have the money and nor should he be vulnerable to extortion in a country that is supposed to be Germany’s ally”, explained Suki. “Ras Al Khaimah ruler, Sheikh Saud Al Qasimi, has been exploiting his position as effective ‘owner’ of the justice system, locking up his rivals, adversaries or those he wishes to extort funds from”. “The German government confirmed that Sheikh Mohammed Sultan bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi has been a “problem in the past”, but the biggest problem is the German government’s lack of representation of citizens who face the Sheikh”, added Stirling. “It’s absolutely appalling that Dieter has been in jail since 2017 when he was sentenced to life in prison for ‘insulting’ the Sheikh. He has now been violently assaulted in prison and subjected to human rights violations. - Man facing life sentence in UAE for 'upsetting Sheikh.' “It is time Germans updated their travel warnings to the UAE to include the real risk of being falsely accused, detained without charge, forced to confess and subjected to unfair trials. It is insufficient to warn citizens not to ‘break the law’. Too many foreign nationals have been detained and even tortured after being falsely accused of a crime, only to later be exonerated of the charges but by then, it can be too late. That person’s life has been ruined”. - German national attacked in a UAE prison #FreeDieter

Surgery for German national attacked in UAE prison

Dieter Kellouche waited days for surgery, was deprived of painkillers after being attacked in his bunk bed. German national, Dieter...

Read More
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi , the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, is to be the subject of discussion at the Washington DC based Interpol Abuse policy group next month. The group is influential in US policy legislation and Interpol protocol reform. “The working group meets quarterly to collaborate on endeavours to end Interpol’s abuse of innocent victims of a system in need of serious reform,” said Radha Stirling , Interpol and extradition expert witness and founder of Due Process International and IPEX Reform . Sheikh Saud is single handedly responsible for countless foreign nationals being arrested at borders, locked up, defamed, separated from their families or held in countries incapable of understanding the complexity or extent of Interpol abuse. - The King of Interpol Abuse American national Oussama El Omari, the former CEO of the RAK Free Trade Zone Authority, was targeted by the regime and placed on Interpol’s red notice database for his perceived loyalty to Saud’s rival brother. After Omari’s return to the US and subsequent legal actions, he was harassed, defamed and targeted by an Israeli intelligence firm . “Saud acts with impunity, claiming diplomatic immunity for his rogue actions”, said Radha Stirling, who acts for a number of Ras Al Khaimah victims. “ Omari has issued proceedings against Interpol in New York for damages caused by the frivolous and vindictive red notice. It is time Interpol were made accountable for acting as the facilitator of abuse and the US courts should not allow the body to claim sovereign immunity.” - NY Court orders damages for man targeted by UAE Sheikh & his US agents because he “knew too much” Saud was directly responsible for the lengthy and wrongful detention of Gela Mikadze in Georgia where the RAK ruler hoped he would be pressured enough to sign a confession. Swiss national Dr Khater Massaad , the former head of RAKIA and RAK Ceramics, was responsible for putting the tiny emirate on the map. Massaad became a target for Saud when the insecure ruler felt he may sympathise with his rival brother who had been locked up in a villa, much like Princess Latifa. Massaad was Saud’s closest advisor and held the ruler’s secrets. Known as the “wild west of the emirates”, RAK had been exposed in the United States for Iran sanction violations, weapons dealing and money laundering. The ruler himself had been arrested in the US for sexual assault, accused of human trafficking, detaining and torturing foreign nationals. Massaad was reported to Interpol, not just once, but FIVE times. “Never has it been more obvious that Saud uses Interpol as his personal vendettas database than in the reporting of Khater Massaad”, added Stirling. “Sheikh Mohammed reported Cptn. Hervé Jaubert to Interpol for ‘kidnapping’ Princess Latifa in a personal vendetta after her 2018 escape attempt with the former secret service agent, but Sheikh Saud is single handedly responsible for more personally motivated Interpol notices than any other individual ruler we’ve seen. He hands out legal rulings in the courts like his own personal business cards, showing just how corrupt the emirate is. Interpol is supposed to be an independent body though, one that should not be open to abuse by its members. When Saud uses his corrupt judgments to list people on Interpol, he transfers culpability to them. Interpol is fully aware of their own susceptibility to misuse by member states, but they are more focussed on financial contributions than on the individual rights of victims of their reporting. - Human Rights Abuses & Corruption threaten RAK Fitch Rating “It is certainly time Sheikh Saud is held to account. The list of human rights abuses, wrongful detentions, forced confessions, hacking and even torture is extensive. We have conducted a five year long investigation, the results of which are shocking. “We are working with Dr Massaad and other insiders to expose these abuses in a series to be released in July”. Related resources: - UAE “asks” Bangladesh to freeze assets of RAKIA CEO Khater Massaad - Detained in Dubai talks to Times of Israel on shady Israeli intel - The Case of Oussama El Omari - NY Court orders damages for man targeted by UAE Sheikh [Podcast at Gulf in Justice]

Interpol Abuse Working Group to hear of RAK ruler’s personal vendettas

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, is to be the subject of discussion at the Washington DC based Interpol...

Read More
Princess Latifa issues statement for media release via her newly appointed London lawyers “I recently visited 3 European countries on holiday with my friend. I asked her to post a few photos online to prove to campaigners that I can travel where I want. I hope now that I can live my life in peace without further media scrutiny. And I thank everyone for their kind wishes”. Public supporters have taken to social media to express their confusion over Latifa's sudden 'change of heart'. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai was contacted by Princess Latifa during the assault on Nostromo has explained that the United Nations is the correct body to be addressing Latifa's case with the UAE. "Since we instructed United Nations involvement in March 2018 on behalf of Latifa, they have been the correct body to ensure her safety. The UAE has cooperated in providing proof of life and sharing photos of Latifa traveling and dining on social media. To close the UN case though, the body must be satisfied that their withdrawal is the genuine wish of Latifa herself. "An important consideration here is that Latifa should never have been kidnapped from a US flagged yacht in international waters. The UAE should never have felt emboldened to take such unprecedented military action to then kidnap and detain five foreign nationals and Princess Latifa. The gravity of this act has been somewhat overshadowed by the concern for Latifa's welfare but if left unaddressed and unpunished, we will only see further extreme criminal acts committed by belligerent countries outside of their jurisdiction. "Cptn. Hervé Jaubert bravely helped Latifa escape in 2018, risking his life to save her. He was violently assaulted, abducted, held in a UAE prison and interrogated. He was then returned to his boat after it had been looted and damaged by military forces. Then he discovers he was listed on Interpol's Red Notice database for 'kidnapping' causing him to be separated from his family for almost a year as a result. Hervé had every right to feel safe from such an attack, but nobody can feel safe from a rogue government willing to commit such an atrocity in complete violation of international law. "Interpol is responsible for accepting the frivolous red notice from Dubai and we are preparing a lawsuit against Interpol in the United States. They must be held to account for the lives they continually ruin." Join our Telegram channel for instant breaking news alerts Follow us on Facebook

Princess Latifa issues media statement

Princess Latifa issues statement for media release via her newly appointed London lawyers “I recently visited 3 European countries on...

Read More
German national Dieter Kellouche, 42, has been attacked in a UAE prison where he is serving a life sentence. Last night, Kellouche was assaulted in his cell by another inmate who forcibly pulled him off the top bunk of his bed, resulting in multiple fractures in his right foot. Dieter was taken to hospital, but immediately returned to the prison because the facility had no spare beds. He is now suffering severe swelling and complications in detention, waiting for a vacancy in the hospital. Dieter has not been visited by the German embassy in over a year. “ Dieter is a quiet, peaceful man locked up with violent criminals ,” Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai , said. “ The injustice of his case is staggering. He has been shamefully abandoned by the German government; he had no chance to defend himself in court – the Germans did nothing. He went on a hunger strike – the Germans did nothing. He has now been viciously assaulted in prison – the Germans are doing nothing. What will it take for the German government to intervene ?” SUBSCRIBE TO OUR TELEGRAM NEWS CHANNEL FOR FAST ACCESS TO BREAKING NEWS Dieter Kellouche was arrested in 2017 and quickly convicted on the orders of prominent Emirati Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi, a cousin of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed – arguably the most powerful man in the Emirates – when he approached Al Ketbi outside his home to say ‘hello’. Though the two were friends, Al Ketbi didn’t recognise Dieter and physically struck him for daring to greet him. He then had Dieter arrested, presumably to cover up his own mistake, and the court summarily sentenced him to a life term. “ This is the culture of the UAE, anyone in the ruling family can act with impunity and the court system genuflects to their wishes ,” Stirling said, “ Dieter and Al Ketbi were close acquaintances, they even travelled together and regularly socialised. For whatever reason, Al Ketbi didn’t recognise Dieter when he approached him, and reflexively attacked him – because he is entitled to assault whoever he likes as a royal. Once he recognised Dieter, he apologised, but the altercation had been witnessed by others, so to save face, Al Ketbi had Dieter arrested on trumped up charges and convicted. It is an absolutely outrageous case, and Dieter’s suffering gets worse by the day. “Sharjah Central Jail is notoriously dangerous, with nonviolent inmates detained alongside murderers and rapists; brutal guards, where beatings, electrocution, and torture are commonplace. Dieter has not been visited by his embassy in over a year, even though the standard protocol mandates monthly or bi-monthly visits to ensure foreign nationals’ wellbeing in what, by any measure, is a cruel and unusual environment. He is being denied urgent medical care, and was sent right back amongst ruthless criminals in an even more vulnerable state. He was attacked by an inmate who wanted his cup of instant noodles – we are talking about an utterly merciless place where an innocent, and now severely injured man is being left to fend for himself, potentially for the rest of his life. It is simply disgraceful, and the German government needs to take action. Dieter is not safe, his life is at risk, and all of this because an Emirati royal does not want to feel embarrassed.” Related articles and resources: - German man on hunger strike in Sharjah’s notorious prison, after being sentenced to life in prison - Gulf in Justice: The Case of Dieter Kellouche - German man facing life sentence in UAE for 'upsetting Sheikh. - German Embassy “not visited me in more than a year” - Dieter Kellouche

German national attacked in a UAE prison

German national Dieter Kellouche, 42, has been attacked in a UAE prison where he is serving a life sentence. Last night, Kellouche was...

Read More
bottom of page