Two of the UK’s top Human Rights QC’s have stepped up the legal campaign to highlight the plight of imprisoned Princess Latifa in Dubai by providing crucial new evidence on her behalf to the UN in Geneva this week.

Alun Jones QC and Rodney Dixon QC, representing Princess Latifa, have made a special appeal to the UN to take urgent action to protect her and get her released without delay. These initiatives come at a critical time when Latifa’s stepmother Princess Haya has left her Prime Minister husband, Latifa’s father Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and fled Dubai for London with her two children. Princess Haya is presently bringing proceedings in the High Court in London against her husband to retain custody over her children.

The government of the UAE has submitted a statement to the UN denying that Princess Latifa has been detained. The UAE’s response claimed that Latifa is alive, safe and with her family in Dubai.

Princess Latifa’s lawyers have highlighted to the UN that the UAE’s response is unfounded. Princess Latifa’s London-based lawyer Rodney Dixon QC said: “In light of the available evidence, the claims of the UAE authorities are completely unsubstantiated. If they were true, why has Princess Latifa not been allowed freely to leave the UAE and travel? Why is no one permitted to have access to her at her request? She has not been seen in public for over 18 months.

“We are therefore deeply concerned about her safety and well-being. Our concerns have only escalated following the decision by Princess Haya to flee Dubai with her two children because she fears for her life. We understand that Princess Haya’s decision was strongly influenced by what she had learned to be the truth about her step-daughter’s treatment.”

The lawyers are urging the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID), which is currently meeting in Geneva to promptly require the UAE authorities to provide precise details of Princess Latifa’s whereabouts, to offer concrete and genuine guarantees for her safety and welfare by providing immediate access to her, and to protect her from all violations of human rights and require that she is released immediately by the UAE. They are also asking that this case is independently investigated by the UAE authorities and the UN so that those responsible for human rights violations can be held to account.

Princess Haya’s recent escape is also significant as she had previously invited former Irish President Mary Robinson to visit Princess Latifa in Dubai in December 2018. The meeting was widely criticized as a publicity stunt aimed at convincing the outside world that Princess Latifa was in good health and happiness in the UAE, a country she spent almost two decades trying to escape. Now that Princess Haya has herself fled the UAE, it further confirms that this visit was a sham designed to hide the truth about Princess Latifa’s situation.

David Haigh, a human rights lawyer who runs the Free Latifa campaign with Tiina Jauhiainen and Latifa’s cousin Marcus Essabri, said: “This is a very significant moment for Latifa. The UAE has some most difficult questions to answer and cannot simply ignore such an esteemed organization as the UN. The UN is evidently not convinced by Dubai’s use of smoke, mirrors and PR stunts, to cover up a brutal, violent kidnap of a young woman, her friend, and crew. It’s now some 18 months since we first complained to the UN, and despite all the mirages Dubai has created, those investigations continue, and we hope for a positive outcome very soon.”

Tiina Jauhiainen, the Finnish best friend of Princess Latifa, who was kidnapped alongside Latifa, 18 months ago said “ After attending the UN today with David and Rodney and meeting for the second time this year with the WGEID, we really believe and hope this could be a vital step to finally winning the freedom of Latifa. The world will be watching closely.”

A critical month as Latifa’s eminent legal team ask ‘Do we stand for the rule of law or not?’

Welcome to our monthly update on our international campaign to Free Latifa.

The last few months have seen endless work by all those involved in the campaign to free Latifa. As the campaign and legal team goes from strength to strength, Latifa’s chances of freedom have, we believe, improved significantly.

It is now over 17 months since an elite commando unit made up of hundreds of armed state security personnel, helicopters and planes was sent by the UAE and India to attack a small US-registered yacht in international waters, violently kidnap Latifa Al Maktoum, the daughter of Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, and take her back to involuntary captivity in Dubai.

But recent developments suggest the picture is changing, and the Dubai authorities’ disregard for international law may be forced to end.

July 2019 brought us the news that Sheikh Mohammed’s current wife, Princess Haya bint Hussein, has fled Dubai to London with their children. The ensuing family proceedings in London’s high court have seen a custody battle commence over the two children the couple have together. Once again the world’s spotlight has been cast onto the case of Latifa. Whilst there is no official confirmation, speculation is rife that Haya’s defection is at least partly motivated by concerns about the way Latifa has been treated under the orders of her father.

July also saw a very encouraging step forward, when the Free Latifa campaign gained the support of Latifa’s own family, the cousin of Princess Latifa, a former resident of the very palace where Latifa and Shamsa lived in Dubai. The Australian television programme 60 Minutes and The Sunday Times newspaper both carried features on Latifa, following Haya’s defection and the decision of Latifa’s cousin Marcus Essabri to speak out. The Australian documentary pointed out that Haya is the third member of Sheikh Mohammed’s family to escape, after Latifa in 2018 and Latifa’s full-sister Shamsa in 2000. Latifa remains in captivity in Dubai, with questions and concerns about their state of wellbeing, we have no news on Shamsa.

Meanwhile, two eminent QCs, Alun Jones and Rodney Dixon, together with a leading firm of British solicitors and junior barristers, joined the campaign to free Latifa and to head a growing international legal team comprising several countries. Jones is a leading human rights lawyer and expert in international crime, while Dixon is renowned for his work in human rights and international law, and is representing the British postgraduate student Matthew Hedges who was imprisoned after a five-minute trial for allegedly spying in the UAE.

Jones immediately called on the UK Government to respect the rule of law in relation to the kidnapping of Latifa. ‘It is a matter of grave concern that Princess Latifa has suffered from abduction, mistreatment and arbitrary imprisonment, with no opposition or protest from the UK authorities,’ he said.‘Do we stand for the rule of law or not?’

David Haigh a Human Rights lawyer from the campaign to free Latifa and CEO of Detained International said, ‘The tide appears to be turning. Sheikh Mohammed has kidnapped and imprisoned two of his daughters and is keeping them against their will in Dubai, but now one of his wives has escaped with another two children, which could be a watershed moment in the world’s view of Dubai and the wider UAE. If Princess Haya is willing to speak or use her influence behind the scenes, we could see Latifa released very soon, and one of the final nails in the coffin of the repugnant “male guardianship system” in the Gulf.

‘Meanwhile, the campaign goes on to make it clear that Latifa is being held in violation of several international laws and conventions, and we are confident Dubai’s disregard for international law will soon crumble.’

July saw the Change.org petition to call for Latifa’s freedom pass the 14,000 marks. Whilst a fantastic achievement, it is nowhere near enough. We need to show the UAE that millions around the world will not stand for the abuse and kidnap of Latifa or anyone else. Please help us to reach 200,000 this year. https://www.change.org/p/sheikh-mohammed-bin-rashid-al-maktoum-where-is-sheikha-latifa-al-maktoum-princess-of-dubai

July also saw David Haigh and Tiina Jauhiainen visit Geneva, where they held meetings with Latifa’s new Swiss and immigration legal team. They also received from the United Nations the UAE’s response to the complaint filed by David Haigh and Toby Cadman with the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances in 2018.

Tiina Jauhiainen, Latifa’s closest friend, said ‘Whilst I never expected we would pass a 17-month anniversary of the kidnap of Latifa, and of course the attack on myself and the crew, I have never been more encouraged by the recent progress made towards seeing my friend Latifa free. Latifa is truly blessed to have more and more supporters helping us, a top-ranking, talented and growing international legal team, and to see her bravery inspiring women around the world. In particular, I want to thanks Marcus Essabri and his family, it really has been a godsend to have his support and advice.’

Tiina added‘I also want to thanks the world’s media, our amazing team of lawyers, and of course Latifa’s amazing supporters across the world. I want to also say a special thank you to David Haigh. If it were not for David’s non-stop and unconditional support for Latifa and myself, often in the face of horrific abuse, I firmly believe we could all have been killed.’

Rodney Dixon QC said: “It is most concerning that Princess Latifa has still not been released and allowed to leave the UAE. Her fundamental human rights are being unjustifiably restricted and abused. The international community can no longer stand by.

“David and Tiina have worked tirelessly for more than a year to protect her, and have themselves been needlessly attacked and smeared for doing so. We will pursue all legal avenues on behalf of Princess Latifa to resolve this situation.

“We are petitioning the UN Working Groups on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances and on Arbitrary Detention and other bodies to get access to her without delay and to ensure that she is released unharmed.”

Thank you for your support – together we will Free Latifa!

Tiina Jauhiainen

David Haigh

TWO London-based eminent and high-powered QC’s have joined the growing global campaign to fight for the release of imprisoned Princess Latifa Al Maktoum, it was announced today (Monday)

Leading human rights lawyer Alun Jones QC, the founder of Great James Street chambers, is an expert in international crime as well as extradition and Rodney Dixon QC of Temple Garden Chambers, who is renowned for his work in human rights and international law.

They will work closely with David Haigh and Tiina Jauhiainen as part of the Free Latifa campaign. Princess Latifa has been held in Dubai on the orders of her father, the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum since she was forcibly kidnapped on 4th March 2018.

They will explore all legal options through the UN and international bodies, as well as using their expertise in international jurisdictions to highlight the abusive regime and secure the freedom of Princess Latifa, aged 33.

The UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances has taken up the case and will be urged to issue its findings and recommendations to the UAE as soon as possible. The UN Special Rapporteurs and other bodies will also be petitioned to intervene on behalf of Princess Latifa to get access to her and secure her safe release.

Her plight has been thrust into the headlines in the last week following the news that her step-mother Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein has left the Dubai ruler to seek asylum and launch divorce proceedings in London, where she is seeking to prevent their children being returned to Dubai.

David Haigh, of the Free Latifa campaign and a human rights lawyer appointed by Sheikha Latifa, commented: “We are delighted to have the support of lawyers of such reputation and stature as Alun and Rodney. The combination of their experience, innovation and their expertise in this field makes them uniquely placed to support us and achieve freedom for brave Latifa.”

Tiina Jauhiainen, a close friend and confidante of Princess Latifa, who was kidnapped and forcibly taken back to the UAE alongside Latifa, said: “We are very privileged to have the support of people of the calibre of Alun and Rodney and their wise counsel makes me feel even more confident that we will eventually secure the freedom of my dear friend Latifa.”

Alun Jones said today: “It is a matter of grave concern that Princess Latifa has suffered from abduction, mistreatment and arbitrary imprisonment, with no opposition or protest from the UK authorities. Do we stand for the rule of law or not? “

Rodney Dixon said: “It is most concerning that Princess Latifa has still not been released and allowed to leave the UAE. Her fundamental human rights are being unjustifiably restricted and abused. The international community can no longer stand by.

“David and Tiina have worked tirelessly for more than a year to protect her, and have themselves been needlessly attacked and smeared for doing so. We will pursue all legal avenues on behalf of Princess Latifa to resolve this situation.

“We are petitioning the UN Working Groups on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances and on Arbitrary Detention and other bodies to get access to her without delay and to ensure that she is released unharmed.”

David Haigh, a human rights lawyer, who has been leading the campaign to free Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum said today (Mon) “Our thoughts and prayers are with Princess Haya and her young children at this time and we hope they have found safe sanctuary away from Dubai. Her courageous decision to leave her husband and seek asylum and divorce further highlights the dubious role of Mary Robinson, the former UN human rights commissioner and Irish President.

“The latest shocking development also offers Mary Robinson a golden opportunity to redeem herself following her ill-judged and highly criticized mission to Dubai last December. She simply needs to make a sincere and contrite statement saying she was duped by the wish to help an old friend sort out a family matter, that she acted under duress, and she regrets and disowns her visit to Dubai last December.

“For the sake and the future safety of Princess Haya and her children and Princess Latifa and women in the Gulf she needs to be honest with herself and stand up for women. We will be writing to Mrs. Robinson to express our concerns.”

Ends.

Mary Robinson the former Irish President and former United Nations Human rights chief currently embroiled in controversy for her part in the cover-up of the kidnap of Princess Latifa by the UAE has received further widespread criticism. In a recent letter she wrote to the Independent Mrs. Robinson called for global justice and women’s rights, titled “Most of the world’s population have no access to basic justice. But the fix is easier than you think”. Mrs. Robinson went as far as to quote Martin Luther King “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

David Haigh a human rights lawyer campaigning for the release of Princess Latifa responded to Mrs. Robinson, in an article published by the same newspaper the following day. David Haigh called Mrs. Robinsons’ call for justice “admirable” but went on to say that the former President should “practice what she preaches” accusing her of hypocrisy over her role in the cover-up of the Kidnap and abuse of Princess Latifa and Tiina Jauhiainen. The full article and link are reproduced below.

Tiina Jauhiainen, best friend of Princess Latifa said “Having read Mrs. Robinsons’ article, and already have written to her recently, a letter to which she hasn’t yet responded, I am shocked to see her discussing violence against women and justice, whist almost in the same breath she attempted to whitewash the violent kidnap, abuse, and torture of myself and my friend Princess Latifa, who remains detained against her will”

“Mary Robinson’s hypocrisy

Mary Robinson’s call for justice for all (Voices, Monday) is admirable, but she might do well to practice what she preaches.

Robinson’s trip to Dubai last December to try and assure the world that the allegedly violently kidnapped princess Sheikha Latifa is fit and well and thriving in the bosom of her abusive family is precisely the kind of denial of justice the former Irish president claims to be fighting.

I hope I can be forgiven a wry smile when I read “a third of people with a justice problem are likely to experience a physical or mental health problem” and “violence against women is estimated to cost between 1 and 4 percent of GDP”. Indeed Mrs. Robinson, so please do as you say, not as you do.

David Haigh”

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/letters/cambridge-university-slave-trade-colonialism-cecil-rhodes-a8892971.html

About Free Latifa:

The Free Latifa Campaign is run by Latifa’s closest friends, supporters, and advisors. Headed by Campaign Director, Latifa’s best friend Tiina Jauhiainen, a human rights lawyer and campaigner David Haigh and Latifa’s close friends Stefania Martinengo and Marko Remes. Together with the support of not for profit legal advocacy NGO Detained International and a growing number of friends, supporters, media, lawyers, politicians and celebrities around the world the campaign has one goal, to #FreeLatifa. Updates on the campaign can be found on www.freelatifa.com

Contact Name

Tiina Jauhiainen and David Haigh

Campaign to Free Latifa

Email:latifa@freelatifa.com

Telephone:+ 44 (0) 203 900 1188

Twitter:@freelatifa

Facebook:@freelatifa

Instagram:@freelatifa

The UAE authorities have suspended payments of pensions to retiree inmates at Al-Razeen prison, according to the Geneva-based International Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ICJHR).

This arbitrary measure not only impacts the detainees but also affects their families, who will be deprived of a fixed income that covers their needs and guarantees them a decent standard of living, the center said.

Holding mainly political prisoners, Al-Razeen prison is a maximum-security facility often referred to as the Guantanamo of the UAE due to its repressive conditions and poor treatment of inmates.

Contrary to what is stated by Emirati authorities, the prison conditions are poor, and breaches of human rights, such as torture and ill-treatment, are systematic.

ICFUAE Statement

This decision is yet another example of how the Emirati authorities practice collective punishment upon the families of political prisoners in the UAE. It is callous and cold move, designed solely to further dissuade people from speaking out about human rights in the country. Not only should the retirement payments be restored in full, but the Emirati authorities must release all those detained merely for exercising their basic right to freedom of speech and expression.