A young British woman's vacation in Dubai turned into a horrific nightmare when she was allegedly raped, then arrested for "extramarital sex" after reporting it. Now, authorities have seized her passport and are forcing her to stay in the United Arab Emirates while the case awaits trial.
The 25-year-old says she was raped by two British men and reported it to Dubai police. Instead of helping her, the police arrested her for having premarital sex. They then confiscated her passport and will not let her leave the United Arab Emirates. If she is found guilty, she faces a possible prison term in Dubai, flogging, or fines.
Being raped is not "having extramarital sex." It is a terrifying violation that is out of the victim's control. Punishing women for coming forward will encourage rapists. It will do nothing to prevent consensual sex outside of marriage.
Please sign the petition to urge Dubai authorities to free the British woman and change their law to punish rapists, not their victims.
I am shocked that a young British woman on vacation in Dubai was arrested and held after reporting her alleged rape.
The 25-year-old alleged victim says she was raped by two British men and reported it to Dubai police. Instead of helping her, the police arrested her for having premarital sex. They then confiscated her passport and will not let her leave the United Arab Emirates. If she is found guilty, she faces a prison term in Dubai.
Being raped is not "having premarital sex." It is a terrifying violation that is out of the victim's control. Punishing women for coming forward will encourage rapists. It will do nothing to prevent consensual sex outside of marriage.
I respectfully urge you to free the British woman and change your law to punish rapists, not their victims. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this petition.
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