UN asks UAE for ‘proof of life’ of princess
Berlin, Feb. 20: The UN human rights office has asked the United Arab Emirates for evidence that an Emirati princess held against her will for almost three years is still alive. The Geneva-based Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said the case of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum has been raised with the UAE’s mission to the UN.
Earlier this week the BBC released excerpts from video diaries Sheikha Latifa said were recorded in a locked bathroom inside the Dubai villa where she was being held. She was detained by commandos off the coast of India in 2018 after she tried to flee Dubai in a yacht.
We raised our concerns about the situation in light of the disturbing video evidence that emerged this week,” Elizabeth Throssell, a spokeswoman for the UN rights office told reporters. We requested more information and clarification about Sheikha Latifa’s current situation.”
“We did ask for proof of life,” she added.
Friends of the princess have said they are concerned for her safety because she hasn’t been heard from since she stopped responding to text messages six months ago. The 35-year-old princess is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the hereditary ruler of Dubai who also serves as Prime Minister and vice-president of the UAE.
Ms Throssell stressed that it was standard practice for the UN human rights office to inquire about individual cases within its mandate. “That includes cases for whatever reason that have attracted wider focus.
In a statement her family has said that the princess is being cared for at home, supported by her family and medical professionals.