Student faces year in Dubai prison after ‘airport altercation’
The IndependentSign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “This is an extreme situation for a 21-year-old to go through.” She added: “Elizabeth’s experience transiting through Dubai International Airport has left our organisation, Detained in Dubai, calling for increased travel warnings to US citizens.” Ms Stirling said Elizabeth’s ordeal began as she was making her way through the international hub of Dubai Airport on 14 July. “Elizabeth only intended to transit through Dubai for six hours but she’s been there for months on end and has lost $50,000 in expenses and lawyers costs,” said Ms Stirling. “It is completely unnecessary to send this poor girl to prison and we have seen how easily promises of release can be withdrawn.” Ms Stirling said this was not the first time an American citizen had been arrested while they passed through Dubai International Airport, where up to 1,100 flights land each day. “She’s now been told she has a one-year prison sentence but that if all ‘goes well’, she will only be detained until she can book a flight out of the UAE,” said Ms Stirling.