Jamie freed after sheikh intervenes
Electrician had been sentenced in Dubai
A Cambusbarron man who was handed a threemonth jail term in United Arab Emirates has had his sentence quashed and will return home after the Ruler of Dubai stepped in.
Jamie Harron (27) was on Sunday sentenced by a court in the UAE to jail for public indecency.
But less than 24 hours later the electrician was told he was free to return home after UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, intervened.
Mr Harron had been stranded in Dubai since July 15 after he was arrested for bumping into Jordanian businessman, Emad Tabaza, and touching his hip to avoid spilling his drink in a crowded bar.
Mr Harron was arrested during a two-day stopover in Dubai following a spell working in Afghanistan. He was later released on condition he surrendered his passport to authorities.
Jamie’s family were not expecting the sentencing on Sunday and were even more shocked to hear of his release just a day later.
Stirling MP, Stephen Kerr, who had raised Mr Harron’s case with the Foreign Office said: “It’s great to hear that Mr Harron is now free to go and is on his way home. Hopefully he and his family can put this behind them. There’s a need for clearer Foreign Office advice regarding travel to Dubai. This case brings into focus that the laws and customs of places like Dubai can be very different from what we enjoy in the UK.”
Stirling MSP, Bruce Crawford added: “Mr Harron’s release with his passport returned – allowing him to finally leave the United Arab Emirates – is very welcome news indeed.
“I know that this has been a very harrowing ordeal for both Mr Harron and his family.
“In my letters to the Foreign Secretary on this matter, I have called for the Foreign Office to update the information that it makes available to the travelling UK public about the dangers of visiting Dubai. Mr Harron’s is not an isolated case and it is important that proper travel advice is provided.”
Mr Harron has been supported through his ordeal by campaign group Detained in Dubai, who say that the case shows legal reform is needed in the state.
Chief executive, Radha Stirling said: “This was a courageous and honourable decision on the part of Sheikh Mohammed, and while it highlights the urgent need for judicial reform in the country, it is also a hopeful sign that the UAE’s leadership possesses the will and vision to pursue such reforms in the future.
“When Jamie was called this morning (Monday) by the police he was told that the case had been dismissed, and that he should come in to collect his passport.
“He was understandably nervous as similar calls from the police in other cases were merely tactics to lure individuals into police custody. But when Jamie arrived at the police station, his passport was returned and he was told that he was free to go. The charges were dropped, the sentence annulled, and he faces no order for deportation.”
It’s believed that Jamie was due to arrive home in Cambusbarron yesterday (Tuesday).