The United Arab Emirates (UAE) police have dropped the charges against Irish woman Tori Towey and closed the case. The 28-year-old from Roscommon was facing charges of attempted suicide and consuming alcohol, and her passport had been destroyed. She had been working as a flight attendant in Dubai. The Dubai Public Prosecution confirmed that the case has been dropped.
Radha Stirling, a lawyer and human rights advocate, who runs the Detained in Dubai group, mentioned that Ms. Towey and her mother were delighted by the news. The Irish Prime Minister, Taoiseach Simon Harris, announced that the travel ban preventing Ms. Towey from leaving the UAE has been lifted. He also stated that the Irish embassy will assist her in returning home.
Previously, Ms. Towey’s situation was brought to light by Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald in the Dáil. Ms. McDonald emphasized that Ms. Towey had been a victim of severe domestic violence and called for her safe return to Ireland. The Irish government ensured that they would do everything possible to help Ms. Towey.
Ms. Towey’s aunt, Ann Flynn, expressed relief that the travel ban had been lifted and hoped for a swift return home for Tori and her family. She thanked everyone who supported and raised awareness of her niece’s case.
The case highlighted the importance of addressing domestic violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals, especially in foreign countries. The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to Irish citizens facing similar situations abroad.
The support and advocacy from various parties, including legal professionals, human rights advocates, and government officials, played a crucial role in resolving Ms. Towey’s case. The attention drawn to her situation underscored the need for international cooperation and diplomatic efforts to protect individuals’ rights and ensure their safe return home.
As Tori Towey prepares to leave the UAE and return to Ireland, her family and supporters eagerly await her arrival, hoping to put this challenging chapter behind them and start a new, brighter one. The ordeal faced by Ms. Towey serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and supporting those in need, regardless of their location or circumstances.