A mother was detained in Dubai for three days with her four-year-old daughter after drinking a complimentary glass of wine on a flight from London, it is claimed.
Swedish dentist Ellie Holman, who lives in Sevenoaks in Kent with her English partner Gary and their three children, was initially denied water and made to clean toilets while in custody, according to human rights group Detained in Dubai.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) formed to help people held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said it is representing the woman and her daughter Bibi, who was “terrified” by the experience.
The 44-year-old was arrested on July 13 after having one glass of wine on her eight-hour Emirates Airline flight to Dubai from London, a statement from the group said.
She was taken into custody after an immigration official questioned her about her visa and asked if she had consumed alcohol. Ms Holman and her daughter were initially denied food, water and access to a toilet when they were held in a cell together for three days, the group claims.
She now faces being detained in Dubai for up to a year while awaiting a court hearing.
The group said she and Bibi were travelling to Dubai for a five-day break to visit friends, having visited a number of times before.
After landing she was questioned by an immigration official, who said her visa was invalid and she must return to London immediately, the group said. Read more
