A 23-year-old woman from Liverpool, England, has received a life sentence in Dubai, leaving her family desperate for help and support.
Mia O’Brien, who comes from Huyton in Liverpool, is now serving time in a Dubai prison after what her mother calls a “terrible mistake.” Her mom, Danielle McKenna, 46, has begun asking people online for money to help cover legal costs and travel expenses.
Mom Asks for Help
“Mia got a life sentence in Dubai, and she’s in the main prison there now,” McKenna wrote on a fundraising website. “You can probably guess how I feel as her mom – I’m totally heartbroken. I haven’t seen my daughter since October last year.”
The worried mother says her daughter never got in trouble before this happened. “Mia is just 23 years old and has never done anything wrong in her whole life. She’s a young woman who went to college to study law. She got mixed up with the wrong people and made a terrible mistake. Now she’s paying for it.”
McKenna is asking anyone who can help to donate money, even just one dollar. She says every little bit helps, and she would be highly grateful for any support.
Family Hasn’t Seen Her in Months
The family hasn’t been able to visit Mia since last October. McKenna explained that any money donated would go toward sending money to her daughter, paying for lawyers, and possibly helping family members travel to Dubai to see her.
“She’s having a tough time right now,” McKenna told reporters. “She just got moved to a different prison after getting a life sentence. It’s been a huge shock for all of us.”
What Crimes Get Life Sentences in Dubai
Nobody has said exactly what crime O’Brien was found guilty of. However, in the United Arab Emirates (which includes Dubai), life sentences are usually given for drug trafficking cases. The sentence depends on what happened and how many drugs were involved.
Other serious crimes that can get life sentences include violent attacks and terrorism. In Dubai, a “life sentence” typically means around 15 years in prison.
Dubai’s Strict Drug Laws
The UK government warns British travelers that Dubai has stringent laws regarding drugs. Their official website states there is “zero tolerance” for any drug-related crimes.
The punishments for trafficking, smuggling, using, or possessing illegal drugs are very harsh. In some cases, drug trafficking can even lead to the death penalty. Having even tiny amounts of illicit drugs, including marijuana, can result in at least three months in prison or fines between $1,100 and $5,500.
Dubai authorities consider having drugs in your bloodstream the same as possessing drugs. Some legal products in other countries, including certain CBD products, are illegal in the UAE.
The government also warns that Dubai airports have very advanced technology for finding illegal items, including drugs. They scan all luggage, even for passengers just passing through the airport. People can be arrested for carrying drugs, even if it’s just trace amounts.
What the Government Said
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said they are helping O’Brien’s family and staying in contact with Dubai authorities about the case.
Asking for Money
The family’s online fundraising page had a goal of raising about $2,000. As of recent reports, they had collected close to $900 from people wanting to help.
This case shows how serious drug laws can be in other countries, especially in the Middle East. What might be considered a minor offense in some places can lead to life-changing consequences in Dubai and other UAE cities.
The O’Brien family continues to hope for the best outcome while dealing with this challenging situation that has kept them apart for almost a year.
