- Irish woman charged in UAE for attempting suicide has case dropped and can return home
- Tori Towey was charged with attempted suicide and consuming alcohol in the UAE
- Her passport had been destroyed and was under a travel ban
- But the Irish government intervened and now the case is closed and arrangements are being made for her to return to Ireland
- The flight attendant had suffered severe domestic abuse
Irish woman charged in UAE for attempting suicide has case dropped and can return home
Tori Towey, an Irish flight attendant, who had been facing charges including attempted suicide and consuming alcohol in the UAE, has had the charges dropped and her case closed. Towey, 28, from Roscommon, had her passport destroyed and was under a travel ban, but the Dubai Public Prosecution has confirmed the case is no longer active.
Radha Stirling, a lawyer and human rights advocate from the Detained in Dubai group, announced that Towey and her mother were thrilled with the news. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris confirmed that the travel ban was lifted and arrangements were being made to bring Towey home.
Towey’s case gained international attention after Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald raised the issue in the Dáil. McDonald highlighted the severe domestic violence Towey suffered and criticised the UAE authorities for their treatment of Towey, calling for the Irish government to ensure no woman is treated in such a manner.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has been actively involved, providing consular assistance and working to ensure Towey’s safe return to Ireland.
Myself and @ClaireKerrane raised the emergency case of Tori Towey with the Taoiseach seeking urgent intervention in her situation.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) July 9, 2024
The system in Dubai, rather than protecting this Irish citizen chose to detain and charge her.
She wants to come home.
The Taoiseach must… pic.twitter.com/X9VF0afrbx