Breaking: Irishman charged in Dubai over emojis is FREE

Due Process International

Dec 18, 20243 min read

Updated: Dec 19, 2024

Stuart Quiney, on his way out of Dubai — Stuart heading home for Christmas

Stuart Quiney faced a harsh sentence in Dubai over allegations he sent “threatening” emojis from Ireland to a Belgian man in Dubai. But Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai broke the news on X that he is currently in flight from Dubai to Dublin.

“Absolutely ecstatic that Stuart’s nightmare is over. These were serious allegations and it was touch and go but after an intense few weeks of work, we were able to get Stuart home with just a AED 10,000 fine. The public should be aware that Stuart was lucky to get away without going to prison. His ordeal could have been prevented had he instructed a UAE Police Check before travel and we’d encourage repeat visitors to investigate their status before booking.

“The UAE Cybercrime Laws are so vague that almost everyone visiting the UAE is already in violation before they arrive. The UAE applies its laws extraterritorially so visitors can be charged with online communication made from outside the country, even years before travelling to the Emirates.”

Stuart was very relieved to be making it home for Christmas. Before boarding, he told Ms Stirling “Thanks again Radha for all you have done, my mother and father also can’t thank you enough for everything. Forever in your debt.”

Still a little anxious while still on the ground, he continued, “I can’t wait for that moment (boarding the flight). It has been an emotional rollercoaster the past month. Probably feel the relief when I’m in the air. Thanks again for what you have done for me. Myself and family will be forever grateful to you and your team. I’m still a bit on edge until I’m actually in the air”.

Stirling confirmed Mr Quiney is expected to arrive in Dublin this evening. “Stuart will get to spend Christmas at home and we are very happy for him and his family.”

Detained in Dubai’s work will continue throughout the holiday period. Stirling says, “Craig Ballentine was charged over a negative Google review. He was then sentenced to a fine but the prosecution appealed, they want a harsher sentence which is absolutely ridiculous for a review. The UAE shouldn’t allow local companies to even request reviews if they are going to jail people for their honesty”.

18 year old Marcus Fakana has been sentenced to one year in prison for consensual sex with someone who was one month off being 18. “Marcus is anguishing over whether to appeal and possibly risk a harsher sentence. This is no way for a young British tourist to be spending their Christmas. It wasn’t necessary and should never have escalated beyond a misdemeanour with a fine or deportation order.

Maurice Kevin O’Rourke was sentenced to life in prison for transiting through Dubai with medicinal cannabis products needed to manage his rare and life threatening Addison’s disease. The Canadian government is appealing on humanitarian grounds, given the medical support he requires. His court date is scheduled for Christmas day. It’s unfathomable what the family is going through”.

Stirling urged the public to contact Detained in Dubai as quickly as possible after an arrest. The organisation works with specialist lawyers in different fields. “It’s imperative to get the right lawyer for the job, something that’s very difficult to do when most people just use the list of lawyers provided by the Embassy”.

Stirling has written an ebook guide to Lawyers in Dubai (to get your copy at the Detained in Dubai Website, click here. Or follow any of the alternative options below.)


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"Lawyers in Dubai. An essential Guide by Radha Stirling." Available at amazon uk, click here

Also available by Radha Stirling:

STIRLINGPRESS: Interpol Abuse: Press Pack. (click the relevant image above, use this link to their section on the Detained in Dubai website, or click HERE for a direct download in .pdf format)
Radha Stirling: INTERPOL FAQ (click the relevant image above, use this link to their section on the Detained in Dubai website, or click HERE for a direct download in .pdf format)