A British TikToker has been charged with murdering her online lover in Dubai and could face execution by firing squad if convicted, according to her family and a pressure group.
Charges and Allegations
Brooke George, 23, a former John Lewis shop assistant from Gravesend, Kent, is accused of stabbing William Treeby, 26, also from Kent, to death. She was arrested at Dubai airport as she tried to board a flight back to Britain and charged with premeditated murder. Detained in Dubai, a group advocating for detainees, said George claims she was repeatedly abused by Treeby and reached for a kitchen knife in self-defence during an attack.
Family's Plea
George's mother, Thereza George, expressed deep concern for her daughter's welfare. 'I am deeply concerned for her welfare. The daughter I spoke to that night was utterly terrified. I firmly believe she was desperately trying to get home and away from whatever had happened to her,' she said. The family fears George could face a firing squad if convicted, as the UAE imposes the death penalty for premeditated murder.
Relationship and Incident
According to Detained in Dubai, George met Treeby on Facebook and travelled to Dubai to meet him. The first week-long visit was described as positive, but his behaviour allegedly changed 'dramatically' during her second visit, becoming 'controlling and abusive'. George claims that on the night of the incident, Treeby became intoxicated and assaulted her in Jumeirah Village. She contacted her family in a state of panic after allegedly being 'repeatedly punched' and arranged a flight home with the help of friends. When she returned to the apartment to collect her passport, she found her possessions strewn about. She alleged she was 'punched hard in the face and attacked' when she begged for her passport back. Fearing for her life, she grabbed a kitchen knife 'within her grasp' and stabbed him in self-defence, then took her passport and left.
Conditions in Custody
Detained in Dubai says George is being held at the notorious Bur Dubai Police Station, where she has allegedly been forced to strip naked in front of male officers. Her family claims she has been denied legal representation and is unable to understand proceedings due to a language barrier. Her mother said Brooke was 'absolutely terrified' after the stabbing. 'I have never seen my daughter so frightened in my life. She was crying uncontrollably. I could see that one of her eyes was badly swollen and was beginning to close,' she said.
Call for Justice
Radha Stirling, from Detained in Dubai, called on UAE authorities to provide George with 'protection, appropriate medical care, legal representation and immediate British consular assistance.' She added, 'Investigators must consider the possibility Brooke was a victim of serious violence, not just a suspect. Brooke maintains she acted in genuine fear for her safety after a violent assault. We will ensure her rights are protected and that she receives a fair trial.' Stirling also demanded an investigation into whether other women may have been victims of Treeby, and warned of growing concerns around influencers and young women being 'lured' to the emirate under false pretences, often with promises of luxury lifestyles or paid work.
