Ryan Pepper, a 27-year-old British father from Ashford, Kent, has reportedly spent over seven months in a prison in Sharjah, UAE, without being informed of the reasons for his detention. Arrested in November 2022 alongside 15 others, Pepper has allegedly endured brutal treatment, including beatings that led to damage to his teeth. His family claims he has not appeared before a judge and has been left in the dark regarding his situation. Handwritten notes smuggled out of prison reveal overcrowded conditions and violent treatment, with one note stating, “I was beaten up for 19 days straight.” His sister, Chloe, expressed deep concern for his safety, stating that he fears for his life in custody. The London-based organization Detained in Dubai has criticized the UAE authorities for serious human rights abuses and has highlighted the difficulties faced by British officials in ensuring proper welfare access for Pepper. A planned embassy visit was reportedly canceled due to short-term restrictions.