Laleh Shahrahvesh discusses her Dubai ordeal and how Radha Stirling of Detained in Dubai helped her return safely to England.

In March 2019, British national Laleh Shahravesh traveled to Dubai with her 14-year-old daughter to attend her ex-husband's funeral. Upon arrival, she was arrested due to two Facebook comments she had posted in 2016, in which she referred to her ex-husband's new wife as a "horse." These comments, written in Farsi while Shahravesh was in the UK, led to charges under the UAE's strict cybercrime laws, which can penalise individuals for defamatory statements made online, regardless of where or when they were posted.

Radha Stirling, founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, took up Shahravesh's case, emphasising the broader implications for travelers. She stated, "It is simply not enough to warn people to obey the laws and customs, when very often the legal system itself poses a threat even to law-abiding tourists who may be subjected to false arrests, fabricated cases, forced confessions, torture and lack of representation." Stirling highlighted the risks posed by the UAE's cybercrime laws, noting that individuals could be arrested for past online comments made from outside the country.

Through the advocacy of Detained in Dubai and significant media attention, Shahravesh was ultimately fined AED 3,000 (approximately £625) and allowed to return to the UK. Upon her return, she expressed profound gratitude towards Radha Stirling and her organisation, stating that they had "worked tirelessly to get me home to my daughter." This case underscores the importance of understanding local laws and the potential consequences of online activity when traveling abroad.

Radha Stirling, founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, has provided insights into the case of Laleh Shahravesh through various media appearances. In a BBC interview, she discussed the circumstances surrounding Shahravesh's arrest and the implications of the UAE's cybercrime laws. Stirling emphasized the severity of these laws and the potential consequences for individuals unaware of them.

Additionally, Stirling shared her experiences and perspectives on the broader context of legal challenges faced by foreigners in the UAE during an interview with Israel TV. In this discussion, she highlighted the importance of understanding local laws and the risks associated with online activities that may be deemed offensive under UAE regulations.

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