Dubai Bling has made it to the top 10 on Britain’s Netflix and the release couldn’t come at a more disturbing time. “The release date is ironically coinciding with a trial taking place this very week on the death of Mr Lee Bradley Brown, a British national who lost his life as a result of Dubai police brutality”, asserted Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai and a witness in the case.
The five day trial in London commences this morning in front of a jury, but Dubai is feeding the British public glitzy nonsense that paints the UAE as a safe place for expats. “The deception continues and Dubai will continue to attract tourists, expats and investors whose very lives will be put at risk. Not only was Lee Bradley Brown beaten to death in custody, but British grandfather Albert Douglas was beaten so badly by guards that he suffered multiple fractures and head injuries. It is absolutely atrocious that the British government does not sufficiently warn citizens about the reality of visiting Dubai. If you end up in prison for any reason, you could be subject to grave human rights violations, torture and brutality. You could lose your life. This is what the Lee Bradley Brown trial will prove and this is what British media and Netflix should be focussed on.
“If Lee Bradley Brown’s death was a “once off” that happened a decade ago and if those responsible were held accountable, we could happily support the UAE’s progress but it simply isn’t the case. British nationals are frequently being abused and tortured in prison and there is no concerted effort by the UAE to put an end to this medieval practice. The UAE’s investment into the UK has empowered them to continue with their brutality. People visit Dubai because of two page spreads in the media, cheap flights, the promise of luxury and shows like Dubai Bling, but the FCDO must acknowledge the country’s failings and warn nationals of the inherent risks.”
British grandfather Albert Douglas remains in detention despite the British government’s acknowledgement that he has been severely beaten and despite him requiring further surgeries. “I can not express my disappointment with the British government”, says Wolfgang Douglas, Albert’s son. “It is beyond sickening to me to see the BBC and Netflix producing these shows that lure more victims to the country that will end up like my father, crippled.” Albert has relayed information about the killing of Lee Bradley Brown in a recorded telephone call from prison. “The inmates live in fear”, says Wolfgang, “some of them have been in prison for more than a decade like Ryan Cornelius. The United Nations rules they should be released but Dubai doesn’t care because they can cover it up with money. Look at Princess Latifa and Princess Haya, the abuse, the hacking and people still go there. James Cleverly needs to urgently review travel warnings. That in itself would go a long way to pressuring the Emirates to make changes”.
The long awaited Inquest into Lee Bradley Brown’s death will finish on Friday.