Tori Towey: Irish PM to intervene in case of woman held in Dubai

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Simon Harris has mentioned he is able to “intervene” within the case of an Irish lady who’s dealing with prison costs within the United Arab Emirates in what he referred to as “probably the most appalling circumstances”.

Mr Harris was responding to a query from Sinn Féin chief Mary Lou McDonald within the Dáil (Irish decrease home of parliament) on Tuesday, in accordance with Irish broadcaster RTÉ.

Ms McDonald instructed TDs (Irish MPs) Tori Towey from County Roscommon was dealing with costs “of tried suicide and the abuse of alcohol”.

The BBC has approached the UAE authorities for touch upon the case.

Mr Harris mentioned that he was not conscious of the 28-year-old’s case, however famous that it had been raised with Minister for International Affairs Micheál Martin by Sinn Féin.

“Thanks, Deputy McDonald, for bringing the case of Tori to my consideration,” the taoiseach mentioned.

“I am indirectly appraised of the state of affairs, however I am very comfortable to be instantly appraised of it now.”

Mr Harris pledged to work with Ms McDonald “to intervene and see how we will help an Irish citizen in what sounds to be, based mostly on what you inform me, probably the most appalling circumstances”.

It’s understood that Ms Towey has been working as an air hostess and is predicated in Dubai.

Addressing the Dáil, Ms McDonald mentioned she had spoken with Ms Towey on Tuesday.

She mentioned Ms Towey’s mom has travelled to Dubai to be along with her and that she “desires to come back residence”.

“She has been the sufferer of probably the most gross home violence,” Ms McDonald mentioned.

“Her passport has been destroyed. There was a journey ban imposed on her.”

The Irish authorities ought to make it “completely plain to the authorities of Dubai that no lady ought to be handled on this manner”, Ms McDonald instructed the Dáil, and that “an Irish citizen, an Irish lady, won’t be handled on this manner”.

The Division of International Affairs mentioned it’s conscious of the case and is offering consular help.

Ms Towey is receiving help from human rights advocate and lawyer Radha Stirling, who runs the Detained in Dubai group.

“Tori is dealing with court docket subsequent week. She has been charged with consumption of alcohol and in addition making an attempt suicide, each of which have been traditionally unlawful within the nation,” Ms Stirling instructed BBC Information NI.

She defined that Ms Towey is at present on a journey ban and can’t depart the United Arab Emirates.

“The Irish authorities is rightly behind us in having the UAE police drop the case in opposition to her.”

Ms Stirling mentioned Ms Towey was unable to afford a lawyer, “so it is much more tough and complicated for her”.

Even when discovered harmless, the authorized course of might take “months and months”, she defined, however the household are feeling optimistic that worldwide stress will profit their case.

“If the Irish authorities backs her case and does every thing that they will diplomatically… it is extremely probably that she shall be residence in Eire subsequent week,” she added.

“With all the help [Tori and her mother] are simply over the moon and really, very constructive that issues will go effectively subsequent week.”

• When you’ve got been affected by any of the problems raised on this story you possibly can go to BBC Action Line.