A British grandfather has finally returned home to London after enduring four years of what he describes as torture and arbitrary detention in high-security Dubai prisons.
A Festive Reunion After Years of Hell
Albert Douglas touched down safely in the UK on Friday, 19th December, just in time to spend the festive period with his relieved family. His release concludes a protracted and distressing ordeal that began with his arrest in Dubai over financial disputes he insists were not his responsibility.
During his four-year incarceration, Mr. Douglas was held across a series of severe detention facilities. He has made shocking allegations about his treatment, claiming he was subjected to torture by guards, deliberately deprived of adequate food and water, and forced to witness extreme violence among inmates, including rape and suicide.
Political Pressure and Alleged Neglect
The campaign for his freedom gained significant traction in British political circles. His case was raised in Parliament, discussed by former Prime Minister Liz Truss, and debated by MPs and members of the House of Lords.
Despite this high-level attention, advocates strongly criticised the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for its handling of the situation. Radha Stirling, founder of the advocacy group Detained in Dubai, who announced his release, expressed relief but also frustration. She stated that while politicians engaged, the FCDO simultaneously neglected the case, prolonging his suffering.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
Ms. Stirling confirmed the news on social media platform X, writing: “Albert arrived safely home to London on Friday the 19th of December, ending four years of arbitrary detention and abuse.”
For Albert Douglas and his family, this Christmas represents a profound and hard-won moment of peace and reunion, marking the end of a chapter described as nothing short of hellish. His story highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals in detention abroad and the complexities of consular support.
