British Man Who Was Facing 3-Years In Prison In Dubai For Innocuous Incident Suddenly Released From Jail

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British Man Who Was Facing 3-Years In Prison In Dubai For Innocuous Incident Suddenly Released From Jail

November 11. 2017

Patricia Harron (left), Graham Harron (center) and their son Jamie Harron (right)

British tourist Jamie Harron of Scotland, was jailed in Dubai for drinking alcohol and accidentally touching someone's hip in a night club, as he tried to steady himself in a crowded room to prevent a fall. Harron was sentenced to 3-years in prison, for what is not illegal in the West. Harron was in jail for 3-months, lost his job and, "Paid £32,000 in expenses and legal fees" during the ordeal.

My tweet on Twitter prior to Harron's release

After public outcry, the government of Dubai has changed its mind about Harron's incarceration and released him from jail. Prior to Harron's release, I stated on Twitter that his incarceration "is not good for their tourism" in Dubai. Two days later, the government of Dubai, namely His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also came to that conclusion and released him stating Harron's incarceration "could affect tourism."

STORY SOURCE

Brit jailed for three months Dubai for allegedly touching a man's hip in a bar in Dubai is 'released after 24 hours'

Supporters of Jamie Harron claim the case against him has been dropped on orders from the Sheikh because 'it could affect tourism'

16:25, 23 OCT 2017 Updated16:26, 23 OCT 2017 - Jamie Harron was sentenced to three months in jail after allegedly touching a man's hip in a nightclub. The Briton sentenced to three months in a Dubai jail for allegedly touching a man's hip in a bar has been freed after just 24 hours, supporters said today.

Jamie Harron, 27, was arrested for public indecency in July after the incident in a crowded nightclub where he claims he was trying to avoid spilling a drink. He was sentenced to three months in prison on Sunday - but campaigners claim the case against him has now been dropped on orders from the ruler of Dubai.

Campaign group Detained in Dubai, who have been supporting Mr Harron, today announced he will now have his passport returned. A spokesperson said: "Jamie Harron is now on his way to the police station to retrieve his passport, apparently on order from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "Jamie Harron was called by police that the case has been dismissed and he can pick up his passport and is free to leave."

Mr Harron, an electrician from Stirling, Scotland, was stripped of his documents after his arrest been stranded abroad since. But Jamie's supporters claim the case has been dropped on orders from the Sheikh. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, said Jamie was contacted by police last night to say his sentence had been overturned on order from the Sheikh.

She said: "He nervously went to the police station today to get his passport, but he was worried it was going to be a trap to re-arrest him. "He is very relieved and in shock as he wasn't expecting this to happen. "He has to arrange flights home now, but he should be back in Britain imminently." Ms Stirling said the Sheikh ordered the charges to be dropped "because of so much international pressure and the fact it [the case] was affecting their tourism"...

http://www.latimes.com