Wife's Plea for Release of British Man Detained in Dubai for 18 Years
Heart-breaking letter written to UAE ruler by wife of Brit, 72, locked up in Dubai for 18 years pleading for him to be freed so they can spend their 'last few years together' after legal fight left her homeless
Mail Online
Image: Mail Online
Heather Cornelius has written a heartfelt letter to UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, pleading for the release of her husband, Ryan Cornelius, who has been imprisoned in Dubai for 18 years on fraud charges he denies. As Ryan approaches his 72nd birthday, Heather fears for his health and their family's future, having lost everything in the process.
- 01Ryan Cornelius was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being accused of defrauding the Dubai Islamic Bank, a charge he denies.
- 02The UN has deemed Ryan's detention arbitrary and unlawful, yet efforts for his release have been ignored by UAE authorities.
- 03Heather Cornelius has been homeless for years, relying on relatives for shelter after the bank seized their family's assets.
- 04Ryan's health has deteriorated significantly during his imprisonment, with reports of untreated medical issues and harsh prison conditions.
- 05The UK government has faced criticism for its inadequate response to Ryan's situation, prioritizing economic relations with the UAE over his freedom.
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Heather Cornelius, the wife of British businessman Ryan Cornelius, has made a desperate appeal to UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for her husband's release from prison, where he has been held for 18 years on fraud charges he denies. Ryan was arrested in 2008 after the Dubai Islamic Bank accused him of defrauding them, leading to a 30-year sentence. His release is not expected until 2038, when he will be 84 years old. Heather's letter highlights the severe impact of Ryan's imprisonment on their family, as they have lost everything, including their home, and she has been homeless for years. The UN has called his detention arbitrary and unlawful, yet the UAE has ignored repeated pleas for clemency. Ryan's health has declined significantly during his time in Al Awir Central Prison, where he has faced neglect and harsh conditions. The UK government has been criticized for not doing enough to advocate for Ryan's release, prioritizing economic relations with the UAE over the welfare of its citizens. Heather's poignant letter underscores the family's longing for reunion as they face the reality of Ryan's deteriorating health and the limited time left together.
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The prolonged imprisonment of Ryan Cornelius has devastated his family's financial and emotional well-being, leaving them homeless and struggling.
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