LONDON, 9 July 2020: Detained in Dubai is campaigning against what it calls United Arab Emirates’ “draconian laws and chaotic enforcement procedures.”
It released a press statement, Tuesday, identifying the latest case that highlights the risks expatriates working Dubai and tourists could face from “being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Detained in Dubai says an Emirates Airlines flight attendant, 23-year-old Briton, Derrin Crawford, has been arrested in Dubai and faces possible drug charges that carry a hefty prison sentence following a police raid.
She was on a date with a new acquaintance when his home was raided by Dubai police. A search of the premises uncovered two cannabis joints. Both Crawford and her date were arrested.
Despite testing negative for cannabis, she remains in detention and faces possible drug charges, Detained in Dubai founder and CEO, Radha Stirling, stated in the widely circulated press release.
Stirling has represented numerous Britons over the past 12 years who fell foul of “Dubai’s draconian laws and chaotic enforcement procedures.”
“Crawford’s arrest in Dubai is another appalling example of how arbitrarily UAE laws are enforced, and how easily a foreigner can be accused, arrested and even convicted for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Founded in 2008, Detained in Dubai claims “innocent British nationals” continue to be arrested over the suspicion of possession or distribution of drugs, often on the flimsiest basis.”
A popular short holiday break destinations for UK residents, the UAE is often criticised by Detained in Dubai for its human rights violations claiming they are thoroughly documented and have resulted in the “UK refusing any extradition requests” from the country.
“We are concerned about Crawford’s safety, and about the very real possibility that she will be criminally charged, like so many others have been without evidence.”
Crawford’s neighbours in Liverpool, UK, organised a petition with more than 2,000 signatures calling for her release from detention.
Dubai’s official media office confirmed police arrested two British nationals on suspicion of possession with intent to supply narcotics, but subsequently reduced the charge to possession of illegal substances.
The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for the use of recreational drugs and possession can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years, while drug trafficking is punishable with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
(Source: Detained in Dubai)
