Woman arrested in Dubai after reporting rape

A BRITISH woman who went to police in Dubai to report she had been raped was then arrested for having sex with her fiance.

The 23-year-old from London said she was assaulted by a waiter in a hotel toilet after celebrating her engagement to her 44-year-old boyfriend.

But when she reported the alleged rape to police, she and her boyfriend were held for having sex outside marriage and illegal drinking outside licensed premises.

It is understood the couple have been bailed but are still in Dubai.

A cellmate of the woman said: “She’s a British girl but a Muslim, so I think they were tougher on her because of that.

“She was trying to report the rape but soon realised the policemen were more interested in how often she has sex with her boyfriend.”

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokes- man said: “I can confirm that two British nationals were arrested in Dubai on January 1... Our embassy in Dubai is providing consular assistance.”

He would not confirm any details, but said: “As with all consular cases, if they raise concerns with us we will look into them.”

This is not the first time Britons have fallen foul of Dubai’s strict laws.

Businessman Vince Acors and publishing executive Michelle Palmer received three-month jail terms after being convicted of having sex on a beach in July 2008.

The Address Dubai Marina Hotel, where the rape allegedly took place, declined to comment.

A spokesman said: “The hotel cannot comment on the matter as it is subjudice and being investigated by the authorities.”

Amnesty International condemned the Dubai authorities’ approach. Its British director Kate Allen said: “The sex lives of consenting adults should never be a criminal matter and if these reports are true then this will be just the latest instance of the authorities in Dubai trampling over human rights in so-called ‘moral’ cases.

“Instead of threatening people with jail for what they may or may not have done behind closed doors, the Emirati authorities should be investigating claims that a real offence – reportedly rape – may have taken place.

“Where are the police’s priorities in all of this?”