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As if James Dua-Wiafi and Stanley Kundishora’s widely reported ordeal wasn’t sufficient warning, a THIRD Londoner has just fallen prey to a rental car agency demanding £30,000 in return for his passport. When will this end? Like many other Brits escaping strict lockdown measures, 23 year old plumber Nico Paraskeva, from Wembley, flew to Dubai on the 5th of January for a mini-break in the sun, where cafes and venues remain open. Nico and his friend rented a luxury Bentley for their fun in the sun. A day before their return to London life, things took a turn for the worse when Nico’s friend was driving the car alone and a bottle of water became jammed underneath the brakes, causing an accident. The car damage was mostly concentrated to the wheel, but Nico’s friend went to hospital for stitches. A report was filed with the police and it was deemed a “no fault” accident. Nico expected to have to come up with the excess fees for the agency, but was stunned when the agency demanded AED 150,000 (approximately £30,000) for the return of his passport. “It’s unbelievable. The car agency said we’d have to pay rental car fees for the entire time it takes to fix the car and have it back in action again”, Nico told Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai who is representing him. “After the stunning demand for £30,000 pounds, their friends began researching and came across the case of James and Stanley, who we also represented. It was a different rental car agency, but almost the same demand: Give us an extortionate amount of money or we will hold your passport and keep you hostage in our country. “Nico’s girlfriend called. She hadn’t slept, beside herself with worry and his mother, who suffers from health problems, has been terribly stressed. They simply do not have 150,000 dirhams to give in to the demands of the car agency, and nor should they. “This is the second time in a matter of weeks that we have seen British citizens targeted by rental car companies in Dubai, illegally seizing their passports, and essentially holding them ransom. Obviously, Nico is not responsible for paying rental costs for the car during its repair; rather than simply accepting for their costs to be covered, the company is trying to make a profit from a blameless accident that put someone in hospital, and threatening Nico with a potential civil case which could leave him stranded in the UAE indefinitely. “When Nico approached the British Embassy for advice and assistance, they discouraged him from publicising his plight, despite the fact that James and Stanley were only freed to return to the UK last November precisely because of the media campaign we launched on their behalf. We understand that consular staff are communicating with the car agency, and we hope this outreach bears fruit, but it is irresponsible, in my view, for the embassy to warn citizens to keep quiet about injustices they face in the UAE. Frankly, this is something we have learned the embassy does routinely, and in our experience, it inevitably prolongs rather than helps resolve issues Brits endure with the Emirates’ legal system.” Radha Stirling founded Detained in Dubai in 2008 and has since helped and advised more than 15,000 foreign nationals facing trouble in the UAE. Stirling is an expert witness, civil and criminal justice specialist, legislative, investment risk, business and policy advisor to the public and private sectors, speaker and host of the Gulf in Justice Podcast, covering the region in depth. http://www.radhastirling.com http://www.detainedindubai.org http://www.gulfinjustice.news

Lawless Sheikh's unbridled acts against foreign nationals seriously undermining Abu Dhabi's efforts to recover economy - Swiss businessman Dr Khater Massaad has had enough. A years-long campaign to slander and jail former RAK investment head Khater Massaad and persecution of RAKIA & RAKFTZA staff chill investor confidence in the emirate: Stirling A current case against Khater Massaad by Ras Al Khaimah being tried in Bangladesh is causing global investors to think twice about the small northern state in the UAE. The government of Ras Al Khaimah, under Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qassimi has been waging a relentless campaign against everyone who put the tiny emirate on the map. Khater Massaad, the one-time “Golden Boy of the Northern Emirates”, the architect of Ras Al Khaimah’s Free Trade Zone and Investment Authority, has been pursued for years by Sheikh Saud in a paranoid campaign of lawsuits and disinformation. Claiming that Massaad, who secured billions of dollars in investment for the backwater emirate of RAK, had embezzled funds and mismanaged the Investment Authority, all because Saud suspected Massaad of sympathising with Saud’s brother, Sheikh Khalid, who was challenging him for the throne. RAK brought cases against Massaad in Saudi Arabia after he left the UAE, only to later admit in court that they had no evidence against him. The cases were dismissed, but Saud launched them again in his own courts in RAK where he could control the outcome. As a result, Khater Massaad’s assets have been frozen, and his current investment projects in Bangladesh have been halted as courts in Dhaka adjudicate the claims. “We have heard from dozens of investors who are deeply disturbed by Sheikh Saud’s behaviour,” says Radha Stirling, founder of Gulf Investment Monitor and CEO of Detained in Dubai. “Khater Massaad’s projects in Bangladesh have no connection whatsoever with Ras Al Khaimah, and global venture capitalists find it outrageous that Sheikh Saud is allowed to continue interfering with businesses around the world simply because an investor once worked for him. It appears that the RAK ruler believes anyone who created profitable projects inside the emirate should not be permitted to prosper outside the emirate, and that they do not even have a claim on any money their RAK projects may have earned.” Stirling, whose organisation, the Gulf Investment Monitor, provides risk assessment and guidance for foreign investors in the GCC, has issued an alert to the international investing community to avoid Ras Al Khaimah at all costs. “Since Sheikh Saud’s seizure of power 10 years ago, and his purge of the emirate’s investment bodies, not only has there been grave mismanagement of funds, multiple breaches of contractual agreements with global partners, and increasing instability of Saud’s regime; his vindictive and volatile behaviour has led to a growing brushfire of lawsuits and counter-suits around the world the cumulative effect of which has been to form an impression that Ras Al Khaimah is a despotic and dangerous destination for global capital.” www.gulfinjustice.news www.gulfinvestmentmonitor.com www.radhastirling.com www.dueprocess.international

Woman faces “£100,000 fine and 2 years in prison” for WhatsApp message in Dubai British woman in tears after Dubai police advise her she faces a “500,000 dirham fine, two years in prison and deportation”. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International announced in the Gulf in Justice Podcast, that the woman detained in Dubai has been asked to attend the police station today in an attempt to persuade the Ukrainian complainant to drop the case. Stirling said “the woman has been told she faces £100,000 in fines, imprisonment and deportation, and was in tears last night. The UAE has criminalised practically every visitor to the country under their vague and poorly drafted Cybercrime laws. Today’s news really hit home for the woman, who has never been in trouble in her life. She is enthralled in an alien legal system and the seriousness of a simple WhatsApp message sent to a fellow European in the heat of an argument, is difficult to comprehend. It is a nightmare for her. “This situation is incredibly common, but most cases are not brought to the media. Even if she were only issued a small fine, she would still be processed through the legal system and held in Dubai for months. This alone can ruin lives and cause significant financial and emotional damage. Imagine facing all of this over a simple WhatsApp message sent in private. “The FCO’s hands off approach to the UAE is unacceptable. When we see countries like Malaysia, the US and Canada helping their citizens, we have to ask why the UK isn’t? The UK is one of the UAE’s strongest allies on many levels and can not genuinely say they have no influence. Why is the UK allowing such active tourism marketing towards its citizens, but not demanding their safety?” www.gulfinjustice.news www.radhastirling.com www.detainedindubai.org

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai and host of Gulf in Justice, wishes a Happy New Year! “What an incredible year in so many ways, full of ups and downs, of setbacks and progress. We have seen such unprecedented abuses within the prisons, with the covid umbrella of protection against questions. We have seen governments and embassies overrun with pleadings for help, emergency repatriations and serious complaints of denial of medical and basic humanitarian services. “We have seen the most glorious reunions, with long term prisoners finally free to return home. Morag Koussa, Malcolm Faren, Melissa McBurnie, Alan Stevenson, Conor Howard and hundreds of others were able to spend this New Year at home, with their friends and families, thanks to our great work at Detained in Dubai. “Amazing progress has been made with our endeavours to make foreign governments and their agents accountable for their abuse of foreign nationals, with multiple litigious actions lodged in the US and English courts, as well as the United Nations. This groundbreaking and important work will lead to long term change in the gulf, ultimately protecting foreign nationals from egregious human rights violations and torture. “And, our efforts to end Interpol Abuse are stronger than ever, with the issue finally in front of legislators and policy makers, and a strong focus of the international media. Our “hands on” experience with Interpol abuse, removal of red notices, expert testimony and extradition defence has not only saved lives on a case by case basis, but has proven crucial to end Interpol’s corrupt and abusive practices. “We have lobbied for legislative reforms and the UAE government has finally responded, taking some steps to change local laws, particularly in relation to sex outside marriage, which previously had seen rape victims jailed. While many more reforms are needed in order to make the country safe, these changes are a sign of good faith and of future intentions. “And the biggest change of all this year, is in the UAE’s peace deal with Israel which will see major social and economical movements, and we are hopeful that these changes will be long term positive for stability in the region. “The overall and underlying issues in the UAE remain. Despite United Nations efforts, Princess Latifa and Princess Shamsa remain in captivity. The judiciary remains under the control of the ruling and Emirati elite. Foreigners continue to be seen as prey and their businesses and investments as gifts to exploitative locals and Interpol continues to be seen as a tool for punishment, spite, slander and extortion. We will continue to promote diplomatic and governmental diplomatic intervention in cases of wrongful detention and human rights violations and to spotlight cases in the international media. “We have launched our Podcast this year, Gulf in Justice, to fully explore specific cases, issues and policy in the Middle East. The Podcast has already been influential in ensuring the freedom of victims of injustice. “We will continue to fight for freedom, justice and permanent changes that will shield against future abuse and make the region a safer place for generations to come. “We wish you a joyous New Year and extend our hearts to all those who are detained, are missing their loved ones or are otherwise facing challenging times. May you take comfort in the hope that this coming year, will bring you your freedom, reunion with loved ones and a brighter, better experience. “Please follow us on social media and our YouTube channel for breaking news”. http://www.radhastirling.com http://www.detainedindubai.org http://www.gulfinjustice.news

Qatar’s series of attacks against Australians: Radha Stirling discusses Lukman Thalib and Ismail Talib arrests. Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Doha, an organisation who assists those who face injustice in Qatar, issued a statement on the detention of Australian nationals who have been held without charge since July. Stirling, who founded Detained in Dubai in 2008 and the Gulf in Justice Podcast, also represents another Australian, Joseph Sarlak, who has been held in the country. In the Gulf in Justice Podcast, Stirling discusses the cases of Lukman Thalib, Ismail Talib, Joseph Sarlak, Jonathan Nash, Ranald Crook, the assault of passengers onboard the flight to Sydney, women's rights, Princess Laitfa and Conor Howard. Stirling calls on Marise Payne, the Australian Foreign Minister and the Ambassador to build a path forward with Qatar, to pave the way for better relations, to ensure that human rights violations and judicial abuses, don’t ruin what could be a productive alliance. Qatar continues to commit grave human rights violations against Australians, and our government needs to ensure they know we will not tolerate it. In the interim, every effort must be made to warn Australians of the risks of transiting through the country”. Stirling is a Criminal & Civil Justice Specialist, Expert Witness, Speaker, Founder of Due Process International, Detained in Dubai, IPEX Reform, Gulf Investment Monitor and the Gulf in Justice Podcast. Veteran Middle East justice expert Radha Stirling launched her podcast Gulf in Justice in August 2020. Stirling has helped more than fifteen thousand clients over her thirteen years with organisation Detained in Dubai, which she founded in 2008. Gulf in Justice discusses up to date topical issues, interviewing a variety of guests and promoting change in the region. www.gulfinjustice.news www.radhastirling.com www.detainedindubai.org

Gulf in Justice Podcast by Detained in Dubai: Conor Howard, a young Scottish man has been detained for extradition in Greece and faces deportation to Qatar over an herb grinder found in his luggage while transiting through Doha last year. Qatari authorities released him at the time, but inexplicably issued an international arrest warrant against him. He was detained last week in Greece while visiting his parents. Radha speaks with Conor's MP, Kenny MacAskill about the case and what is being done, not only to help Conor, but to ensure that British citizens will no longer be subjected to frivolous Interpol notices issued by abusive countries like Qatar. Topics include Interpol abuse, Qatar Interpol Red Notices, Extradition & diplomacy. #KennyMacAskill #Scotland #RadhaStirling #Qatar #Greece #InterpolAbuse #InterpolRedNotice #Extradition #FreeConor

South African father Xola Msomi was working in Dubai when he was set up by his former Egyptian flatmate. Xola has been described to me as a trusting and polite person, and a hard working fitness fanatic. Over coffee in Dubai, Xola’s former flatmate had desperately tried to push Xola to sell him drugs. Xola repeatedly told him he doesn’t know where to buy drugs, he doesn’t sell drugs and has nothing to do with drugs, but Shehab wouldn’t take no for an answer. He was in a frantic state and suddenly threw cash at Xola who did not want it. Moments later, police entered the room and arrested Xola who has been charged with drug dealing. The cash was police marked and Shehab was officially a pawn in a police sting operation, designed to create criminals that didn’t exist. And this is not the first time. Veteran Andy Neal, was arrested after police raided his home. If we had not fought so hard for justice, Andy could still be in prison today. www.gulfinjustice.news www.detainedindubai.org www.radhastirling.com #FreeXola #GulfinJustice #Podcast #DetainedinDubai

Middle East Civil and Criminal Justice Expert Radha Stirling, talks with lawyer and host Ali Fateh on London's Revive FM. The Detained in Dubai founder, Radha Stirling, discusses serious hard hitting issues including the abduction of Princess Latifa from a US yacht in international waters, including India's role in the raid. Other topics include the Israel peace deals, Dubai's money laundering, the Ras Al Khaimah - Iran sanctions violations, Interpol abuse, extradition, quid pro quo deals with India, human rights violations against migrant workers in the region, the oppression of women, wrongful arrests of foreign nationals, the targeting of investors and expats, the criminalisation of debt and pushing for accountability abroad through litigation. 1§ http://www.radhastirling.com http://www.detainedindubai.org http://www.gulfinjustice.news Revive FM: https://revivefm.co.uk/