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