YoU’VE SEEn VAlERY bEFoRE

It was only last year that another image of Valery made the news headlines in the UAE. Only that time, the picture didn’t go viral.

In a Khaleej Times web report on November 2, 2018 (‘Prisoner gets heartwarming surprise from Dubai cops’), Valery’s father was granted a surprise visit by prison authorities on the occasion of his daughter’s eighth birthday. The gesture came in line with the UAE’s Flag Day.

At that time, Lieutenant-Colonel Jamila Al Za’abi, head of the activities committee at the prison, said that Andres, a recent convert to Islam along with Jason, was a model resident at the facility; one who followed all rules.

As converts, the men now go by their Muslim names, Idris and Saud. Each has had five years reduced from their sentence following their conversion to Islam and good behaviour.

“That was the first time Valery hugged her father in three years since his arrest. It was a moment she still talks about. We thank the UAE authorities for that chance for her to meet with him again. We hope the next time will be a permanent reunion.”

Although the two families are granted multiple visits per week to the prison, on Sundays and Wednesdays, they find it difficult to travel there due to lack of transport and finances.

In an emotional plea by Andres’s mother, Marie, she said she prays one day soon her son will be free.

“They are good men. They made a mistake. They are sorry. Never did we think they would get a sentence like 13 years. They are being treated well in prison, but we want them to come home. They have wives, children to love and take care of. He is my only son and I want him back.”