A man who was facing prison in Dubai after being accused of sending threatening emojis has been freed.
Stuart Quiney travelled to the United Arab Emirates in September and had been staying with a friend while subject to a travel ban.
The text messages were sent to a Belgian man in Dubai when the 39-year-old was still at home in Ireland.
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In January 2022, the property renovator accompanied his friend to Dubai to help him set up his new life.
Stuart, of Laragh, Co Wicklow, was introduced to a Belgian resident who assisted his friend in getting an apartment.
Stuart stayed with his friend for two months before returning to Ireland.
The keen golfer and gardener had intended to return to the UAE a week later to spend more time with his friend.
He left some of his belongings in the apartment.
Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, alleged: “While both Stuart and his friend were away, the Belgian let himself into the place and removed all of their personal belongings without permission.
“Stuart was understandably upset and hoped he’d be able to recover his things, they were personal to him, including small, but sentimental gifts from his grandmother.
“Stuart drafted multiple legal letters but they were completely ignored.”
After returning to Ireland, Stuart got some more bad news.
His grandmother was suffering from dementia and being moved into a home.
Ms Stirling said: “It hit him very hard.
“He dealt with the pain by drinking alcohol, something he only does once or twice a year.
“In a drunken state, he must have remembered the theft, reached for his phone and sent some emojis of ninja man and blood drop to the Belgian.”
When Stuart arrived in Dubai on September 6, he was immediately taken into custody, transported to Al Barsha police station and told he could not leave the country.
Ms Stirling said he was advised that he could face several years in prison under strict laws that prohibit rude, offensive or threatening text messages, even if expressed sarcastically, or jokingly between close friends or loved ones.
She said Dubai’s strict laws are often abused by complainants who open police cases merely as a means to extort victims.
But on Wednesday, Ms Stirling revealed that Stuart was returning from Dubai to Dublin.
She said: “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 (£2,146).
“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.”
She added that Irishman Stuart was very relieved to be making it home for Christmas.
Before boarding a flight to Dublin 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.
“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 that Stuart was expected to arrive in Dublin this (18 Dec) evening, as reported by Need To Know.
She added: “Stuart will get to spend Christmas at home and we are very happy for him and his family.”
Stirling said Detained in Dubai’s work would continue throughout the holiday period.
She said: “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.”
“Eighteen-year-old-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.
She added: “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.”
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