A mother seeking funds for her daughter, a law student reportedly imprisoned for life in Dubai, faced the removal of their family’s fundraising campaign.
Mia O’Brien, 23, hailing from Huyton, Liverpool, is currently detained in Dubai’s central prison following involvement with what her mother describes as untrustworthy companions. Specifics regarding her arrest and charges remain undisclosed.
In an effort to gather financial support for legal expenses, Danielle McKenna, 46, initiated a GoFundMe page. She expressed her desire to aid in the fight for her daughter’s freedom. However, the page was subsequently taken down for violating community guidelines, according to a GoFundMe representative.
Expressing her distress, Danielle lamented, “Mia has been sentenced to life in Dubai and is now incarcerated in central prison. As her mother, I am utterly devastated. It has been months since I last saw my daughter.” She emphasized Mia’s young age and lack of prior misconduct, attributing her predicament to misguided associations and a regrettable error.
Following the removal of the fundraiser, Danielle acknowledged the contributions received, expressing gratitude for the support. She mentioned plans to utilize the funds for Mia’s benefit, including potential legal expenses and arrangements for family visits to Dubai.
Regarding the situation, Danielle remarked to MailOnline, “She is enduring a challenging period, having recently been transferred to a different prison after receiving a life sentence. The turn of events has been profoundly shocking.”
This incident occurs in the wake of another case involving a British citizen, Marcus Fakana, who was released from detention in Dubai after engaging in consensual relations with a fellow teenager. Marcus, aged 19 and from Tottenham in North London, was detained in the United Arab Emirates for his involvement with a compatriot during a holiday in the Middle East.
The girl, now 18, failed to disclose the age disparity between her and Marcus when their relationship commenced. Laws in the UAE prohibit sexual interactions between individuals under 18, leading to Marcus’s prolonged incarceration subsequent to his arrest following a tip-off from the girl’s mother.
Marcus was eventually granted a pardon by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as confirmed by the advocacy organization Detained in Dubai.