UK family 'face prison' if they visit Dubai-jailed son

British family 'face UAE prison' if they visit their son jailed over 'public indecency'

The family of a British man facing trial for touching a man's hip in a bar have been warned their criticism of the UAE government could land them in jail.

MENA

2 min read

Robert Cusack

19 October, 2017

Harron faces trial for public indecency on October 22 [AFP]

The parents of a British man currently awaiting trial in Dubai have been warned they face up to 15 years in prison if they try to visit their son.

Jamie Harron's family have been warned they face arrest under the UAE's stringent cyber-crime laws, preventing any and all criticism of the government.

"Jamie's parents want to visit him during this difficult time," said Radha Stirling, representing Harron.

"I have advised them that they are at risk of being charged under the UAE's cybercrime laws for speaking negatively about the regime."

Stirling added that the international coverage of Harron's trial should protect them from prosecution, but they could still technically be jailed.

Jamie Harron, 27, was arrested five months ago while at a bar for allegedly touching Jordanian businessman Emad Tabaza's hip. Harron denies the allegations and Tabaza has since dropped all charges.

According to UAE law, it is legal to sell alcohol in licensed bars but people can be arrested for having alcohol in their system

Harron was also detained for 30 days for the crime of being drunk. He is currently awaiting trial after the Dubai police said they would continue with their prosecution.

Harron said he felt "shattered" by his experience, adding that the "whole situation was unbearable".

Read more: Tourist faces jail for 'touching a man's hip' in Dubai

The UAE's public prosecution office has been contacted for comment. In a previous statement they reported that Harron's hearing was scheduled for October 22.

Tabaza's employer, Neumann & Esser, has since issued a statement, alleging that the incident occurred at 7.30pm. Harron denies this, saying he was eating dinner at a friend's house at 7.30pm.

'During a private visit to a club in Dubai, one of our employees was touched by the suspect on the thigh several times," the statement by Neumann & Esser said.

According to witnesses, Tabaza allegedly told police at the time of arrest: "He's been drinking, and he touched me improperly, I will get you deported, do you know who I am?"

According to UAE law, it is legal to sell alcohol in licensed bars but people can be arrested for having alcohol in their system.

"Regarding the alcohol charges, of course he was drinking, everyone was," said Harron's lawyer, Radha Stirling.

"Informing tourists of the law does not help, when the entire enforcement system in the UAE needs an overhaul."