A British grandmother's dream holiday in Dubai has turned into a terrifying nightmare after she was thrown into a desert prison for defending her daughter from a group of harassing men.
Stella Foenander, 54, from south London, now faces a potential two-year sentence after an altercation at a five-star hotel escalated dramatically, leading to her arrest under the United Arab Emirates' strict laws.
A Mother's Instinct Leads to a Prison Cell
The family's troubles began when a group of men began making inappropriate advances towards Stella's 23-year-old daughter, Tia. When the situation intensified and the men allegedly became physically aggressive, Stella stepped in to protect her child.
What followed was a chaotic scene that resulted in assault complaints being filed by the men involved. Despite being the victims of harassment, Stella was the one arrested by Dubai police and charged with assault.
Desperate Pleas from a Desert Jail
Stella has described horrific conditions inside the Al Barsha prison, where she is being held alongside murderers and other serious offenders. In emotional phone calls to her family, she has spoken about the intense heat, poor sanitation, and the psychological torment of her situation.
Her son, Giovanni, has launched a desperate campaign for her release, stating: "My mum is not a criminal - she was protecting my sister. She's a grandmother who's been treated like a dangerous felon."
Foreign Office Intervention and Warnings for British Tourists
The case has drawn attention to the stark differences between UK and UAE legal systems, where self-defence claims are often disregarded. The Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing support to the British national while she remains detained.
Travel experts are using this case to highlight the importance of understanding local laws before visiting countries with very different justice systems. What might be considered reasonable self-defence in Britain can lead to severe penalties in other jurisdictions.
The family continues to fight for Stella's release, hoping diplomatic channels and public pressure might secure her freedom before she faces further legal proceedings in a system that often favours local complainants.
