A British grandfather who claims he was beaten, tortured and denied medical care in a Dubai jail is finally set to walk free after four years.
Albert Douglas has been locked up in the emirate since February 2021 over two bounced cheques tied to a business run by his son.
But the 65-year-old is now expected to be freed and deported back to the UK in time for Christmas after the United Nations ruled his detention unlawful and arbitrary.
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Albert’s family say he was tortured behind bars and was even strangled with a phone cord by another inmate in 2023.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention delivered a damning ruling, finding his imprisonment in the UAE was arbitrary, unlawful and in breach of international law.
The UN has called for his immediate release and says he should be compensated for the suffering he endured.
They found his rights to liberty, due process and freedom from torture had all been violated, as reported by Need To Know.
A family spokesperson said: “My father has already been through years of suffering.
“The UN has made it clear that he should never have been imprisoned in the first place.
“It’s outrageous that he has been there so long.
“We are truly hoping he will be home by Christmas.”
Radha Stirling, who has represented the family since Albert’s arrest, said: “Albert’s ordeal exemplifies the systemic corruption and human rights abuses that continue unabated in the UAE.
“The UN’s findings confirm that Albert was wrongfully imprisoned and remains unlawfully detained.
“The British government must now act decisively to secure his release and ensure he receives the compensation and rehabilitation he deserves.
“The UN’s decision is unequivocal.
“Albert Douglas must be released immediately, and the UAE held accountable for its abuse of power.
“It is shocking that the British government has failed to secure the release of a tortured elderly man, despite this definitive ruling.
“Other governments, including the US and Irish, have managed to have several of their wrongfully detained citizens released during the time Albert has been detained.
“There have been changes of administration in the UK during this time, but nothing has changed for Albert.
“With this ruling in place, the British government must meet with their counterparts to arrange Albert’s release and safe return to the UK.”
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