Lady Whitaker and Andy Slaughter, MP have voiced their serious concerns to the Foreign Office over the UAE’s treatment of British grandfather, Albert Douglas. In fact, they’ve even suggested sanctions may be needed to protect UK citizens abroad. “This is not the first time and it’s appalling that we are back here again”, said Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, who has been working with the British government to help Albert.
“Dominic Raab, MP, the UK’s former Foreign Minister, publicly stated that sanctions were not ‘off the table’ as the UAE continued to detain Matthew Hedges, alleging he was a spy. Hedges has since taken legal action in the UK against his torturers.
“What’s even more appalling is the Hedges torture was not the first instance either. It seems that we have come to accept that the Emirates will torture foreign nationals”, Stirling continued.
“British courts refuse to extradite to the UAE based on the ‘real risk of human rights violations and torture’, and yet the British government has failed to warn citizens on the FCO travel advisory website. Moreover, business, trade, commerce, security, arts and education projects are actively promoted by the British government. It beggars belief.
“In the 13.5 years of operating Detained in Dubai, I have come to know dozens of UAE torture victims. 22 year old Lee Bradley Brown was killed by police while in detention. I was telephoned by horrified witnesses to this egregious crime, but what were the consequences for Dubai? It was a little awkward for them, that’s all.
“Karam al Sadeq and Jihad Quzma are both suing for their torture in a Ras Al Khaimah prison.
“Artur Ligeska wrote a best seller covering the abuse, rape and torture he suffered in an Abu Dhabi jail, all because a powerful Sheikh wanted him locked up. The extent of Artur’s suffering is atrocious. He required extensive medical assistance following his release.
“Lee Bradley Brown was killed almost a decade ago and, with minimal consequences for the UAE, it is hardly surprising that British nationals are still being tortured. It is our government’s lack of a strong response, that has shown the UAE that they can in fact, torture our citizens with impunity.
“Of course it doesn’t stop at torture. Sheikha Shamsa was kidnapped from British soil. Princess Latifa and Captain Hervé Jaubert were kidnapped from international waters. Innocent targets have been wrongfully listed on Interpol’s database to extort, threaten or extradite them.
“It is completely reasonable that the Baroness push the FCO for increased travel warnings and sanctions. The FCO owes a duty of care to both warn and protect their citizens.”