United Nations Rules UAE must free and compensate British Grandfather beaten and tortured in prison. Family expects Albert will be home for Christmas.
For Immediate Release
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) has issued a landmark ruling (attached) in the case of British citizen Albert Douglas, finding that his imprisonment in the United Arab Emirates was arbitrary, unlawful, and in violation of international law. The UN has called for Mr Douglas’s immediate release and for his right to compensation for the suffering endured during his detention.
The case was brought before the UN by Radha Stirling, a leading UAE legal expert and founder of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International, who has represented Mr Douglas and his family since his arrest. Stirling presented extensive evidence to the UN demonstrating that Mr Douglas was subjected to torture, denied access to medical care, and detained following grossly unfair judicial proceedings.
“Albert’s ordeal exemplifies the systemic corruption and human rights abuses that continue unabated in the UAE,” said Stirling. “The UN’s findings confirm that Albert was wrongfully imprisoned and remains unlawfully detained. The British government must now act decisively to secure his release and ensure he receives the compensation and rehabilitation he deserves.”
The UN Working Group concluded that the UAE’s actions against Mr Douglas contravened multiple articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including rights to liberty, due process, and freedom from torture. The opinion has also been referred to other UN bodies, including the Special Rapporteur on Torture, for further investigation and follow-up.
Despite the UN’s findings, Mr Douglas remains trapped in the UAE, where his health continues to deteriorate. However, his family has been told he is now being processed for deportation and will be home before Christmas.
“My father has already been through years of suffering. The UN has made it clear that he should never have been imprisoned in the first place. It’s outrageous that has been there so long. We are truly hoping he will be home by Christmas.”
Stirling added that the ruling represents an important precedent for other foreign nationals wrongfully detained in the UAE and underscores the international community’s growing concern about human rights violations in the Gulf state.
“The UN’s decision is unequivocal,” Stirling said. “Albert Douglas must be released immediately, and the UAE held accountable for its abuse of power. It is shocking that the British government has failed to secure the release of a tortured elderly man, despite this definitive ruling.
“Other governments, including the US and Irish have managed to have several of their wrongfully detained citizens released during the time Albert has been detained. There have been changes of administration in the UK during this time, but nothing has changed for Albert. With this ruling in place, the British government must meet with their counterparts to arrange Albert’s release and safe return to the UK”.
December 9, 2025: Family is expected Albert home for Christmas.
