Craig Ballentine on X Spaces: NI man detained in Dubai over Google review to speak in live X Spaces
Northern Ireland man facing Dubai jail over online Google review is set to join Detained in Dubai CEO, Radha Stirling, on X Spaces.
Craig Ballentine will be joined by close friend Sean Morgan, who spoke of the ordeal, "It’s ridiculous. Craig is the kindest man you’ll ever meet. He’s always volunteering and helping others. He has been treated appallingly and he just doesn’t deserve it."
Ms Stirling, who is representing Craig, announced “The amount of support Craig has is quite incredible. We’ve had members of government and the House of Lords reach out to offer assistance as well as the public offering to lend a hand. Charging someone for an online review is something everyone can imagine happening to them. We’ve received an influx of worried tourists contacting us to check their police status in Dubai and it’s certainly a good idea.
“If it is illegal to leave anything other than a five star review, perhaps Dubai based tourist hotspots shouldn’t allow reviews at all.”
“The Australian woman who opened this case against Craig could drop it at any time. He deleted the review and even apologised in a mercy bid but she seems keen to weaponize the UAE justice system and have him locked up. Complainants can be vindictive or in many instances, are seeking financial payouts to drop criminal cases. It’s quite ugly but the practice is rewarded and therefore encouraged.
“I look forward to hosting Craig on X, Sean and other friends and family who may join. I encourage people to participate, ask questions and discuss the issues”.
