Ohio veteran, Joseph Lopez, calls for Senator help after being drugged then beaten in Dubai.
A 24 year old veteran and his brother are facing charges in Dubai after being scammed and drugged at a yacht party, then beaten by police. The Mr USA contender and his brother have been told they face years in prison if prosecuted after they were drugged at a yacht party.
The organisation “Detained in Dubai”, along with his family and social media followers are calling on Ohio representatives, Rep. Carey, Senator Brown and Senator Vance to step in.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai has written to his representatives, explaining how crucial their involvement is to securing the freedom of these brothers. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s concern about the arrest of Tierra Allen had a significant impact on her freedom. Jackson Lee explained the steps she took to work with the US State Department to secure her release. We hope Ohio’s representatives will be equally proactive in helping the Lopez brothers.
“Joseph and his brother Joshua were drugged and later found themselves approached by plain clothed officers and forced into an unmarked car. Under the influence of the drug, they were especially confused and tried to free themselves but officers roughed them up”, the boy's aunt told Stirling.
Ms Stirling, who is supporting the family, added “Joshua was hit on the back of his head and his head was split open. He was punched in the face leaving his eye swollen shut and tased, Joseph’s toe was broken and he had abrasions all over his arms and shoulders. Strangely, the boys were not tested for the presence of drugs or alcohol which is highly unusual. We fear this is not an isolated incident and that tourists may be at risk of targeted drinks spiking.
“Plain clothed officers approaching tourists without identifying themselves has prompted numerous arrests of tourists who have “resisted arrest” or defended themselves when approached by people they believe mean them harm. Police officers must be trained to identify themselves to avoid such altercations.
“Joseph Lopez is a mental health advocate, social media influencer and air force veteran. In a live X spaces discussion on Tuesday evening, their aunt Lisa broke down in tears. We heard stories from people he has saved with his advocacy. It was very emotional. These brothers need our help and the help of the US Embassy. They were taken onboard a yacht under false pretences and drugged. They should not end up the victim of this crime and of the justice system.
”It’s imperative that the US State Department support their citizens. Without that intervention as in the case of Tierra Allen, Elizabeth De Los Santos and Peter Clark, these young men will likely face imprisonment in jails notorious for human rights violations”.
