Anna Rowe

3) you’re then told to sign statement in Arabic. No translator is provided, most people who are hauled in haven’t had time to get a lawyer. 4) you’re forced to sign it otherwise consequences are serious. I remember signing but writing that I didn’t understand what I had signed.

4) They keep your passport. No reason given. Without passport, it’s impossible to get work, obtain accommodation and health. To use the vernacular, you’re stuffed. I had a 12 month baby, was forced into destitution and had to rely on the Red Cross and handouts.

6) in the meantime, you live in hope that it will go away bc the accusations are false and there will be some sort of investigation but remember this is ‘Dodge’ the police don’t investigate - instead your file gets sent straight to the prosecutor

7) you get a call from the prosecutor that there’s a hearing, your lawyers and you scramble to put your case together but no need, bc they’ve already decided what the outcome is. All that’s needed is for you to turn up to court.

8) you get to court, lawyer in tow, by this time, you’ve got a sense it’s all pretty hopeless, but still you’re clinging on to hope. You’re not allowed to say anything, lawyer puts your defence, all in Arabic, but the translator nearby, doesn’t translate everything?

9) within 10 minutes it’s all done and dusted, all evidence examined, complex legal arguments, cross examinations, witness testimony - yep, speed dial justice #uae style. And just as you think phew... maybe I’ve dodged a bullet, the jailer comes along and cuffs you.

10) You throw a desperate look to your lawyer, time stands still except your body is shaking, and you feel like you’re going to throw up..but even that is frozen by fear. You’re led to the cells and sit there wondering at which point will I ever see the light of freedom.