A 23-year-old woman from Britain finds herself facing imprisonment in Dubai after making what has been described as a ‘very stupid mistake’ while visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Dubai is renowned as a tourist destination, but the strict regulations mean visitors must be mindful of their actions.
Mia O’Brien, hailing from Liverpool, UK, is currently incarcerated in the city’s central prison, serving a life sentence for an unspecified offense.
Mia’s mother, Danielle, shared with the Daily Mail that her daughter is enduring a tough time following her imprisonment.
“She’s just been transferred to another prison after getting a life sentence. It’s been a massive shock,” Danielle expressed.
In the UAE, a life sentence typically equates to 25 years of incarceration, though the exact nature of Mia’s crime remains undisclosed.
Danielle had set up a GoFundMe page, stating that the funds would assist with Mia’s legal expenses and cover travel costs so the family could visit her.
“I haven’t seen my daughter since last October. Mia is only 23 years old and has never done a bad thing in her life,” the fundraiser mentioned.
“This is a young girl who pursued a law degree and unfortunately got involved with the wrong group of friends, leading to a very stupid mistake for which she is now facing consequences.”
Further updates on the fundraiser read: “I just want to thank everyone for their donations so far, this money will be used to send to my daughter Mia, and also for any legal fees that may arise, and maybe even to go towards getting family over to Dubai to see her.”
The GoFundMe campaign has since been taken down for reasons currently unknown.
At the time it was removed, just under $950 had been raised, according to the Daily Mail.
“We are supporting the family of a British woman detained in the UAE and are in contact with the local authorities,” a spokesperson for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated.
In the UAE, crimes that can result in a life sentence include drug trafficking and possession, human trafficking, murder or attempted murder, and terrorism-related offenses.
“The penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using and possessing illegal drugs (including residual amounts) are severe. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty,” cautions the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.