The case of attempted suicide brought against Irish woman Tori Towey by Dubai authorities has been dismissed, and the restriction on her travelling has been rescinded. Ms Towey, a 28-year-old who relocated to the United Arab Emirates metropolis last year, had previously been forbidden from leaving due to the charges against her.
In a dialogue with the Dáil, Sinn Féin’s leader, Mary Lou McDonald, reported that Ms Towey had experienced domestic abuse and was subject to a travel prohibition owing to accusations of illegal alcohol consumption and attempted suicide – a crime punishable by a six-month prison term in the Gulf nation.
The notification from the Dubai Public Prosecution stated that the charges of attempted suicide against Ms Towey had been cleared, given the individual circumstances of the case, thus allowing her to return to her normal life.
Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, previously assured the Dáil that Ms Towey’s travel restriction had been nullified, and pledged the Embassy’s support in coordinating her departure as well as providing continued support on the ongoing case.
Thanking the Embassy, Harris expressed that Ms Towey, who works for Emirates Airlines and first came into spotlight through the advocacy group ‘Dubai Detained’, does not need to face an Irish court as she is not a criminal but a victim of sexist violence. She should, henceforth, be allowed to return to her home country without hindrances.
Moreover, he informed Mary Lou McDonald that there has been a consistent and intense communication between Ireland’s Ambassador to the UAE (Alison Milton) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, regarding Ms Towey’s situation. Harris, however, refrained from providing further details to avoid hindering the involved intense efforts.
It is highly significant and cannot be understated that the world, Dubai and UAE included, recognises that there is unanimous agreement amongst us in this House regarding this dreadful incident.
An Irish female citizen has endured an abhorrent act of male violence which is unimaginably brutal and deeply distressing.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has publicly commended Ms Milton for her instrumental role in securing the lifting of Ms Towey’s travel ban.
During an interview on RTÉ radio’s News at One, Mr Martin expressed hope that Ms Towey, along with her mother, Caroline, will take the first chance available to them to return to Ireland now that her passport has been reinstated.
He added, “It has been an exceptionally trying and traumatic period for Tori recently. However, I am confident that our team on the ground has been maintaining contact and effectively engaging with both the family and the relevant authorities. We are glad to see a constructive response with the issue now being resolved.”
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, remarked on Ireland’s response earlier: “I am profoundly impressed by how swiftly Ireland has acted. It greatly benefits citizens when a Government stands with them and goes above and beyond. This often results in successful repatriations,” she told Newstalk Breakfast.
She added, “In scenarios such as this, diplomacy is key. Without the backing of the Irish Government, she could have potentially faced incarceration, charges and deportation. She is understandably drained and overwhelmed, but there’s a warmth in how much support she has received that was not expected. I find the speed at which the Irish Government mobilised remarkable. I am sincerely impressed by Ireland’s reaction to this.”
In addition, earlier today, Ms Towey’s aunt, Ann Flynn, said that the family is hopeful that diplomatic endeavors might lead to charges being dropped and her niece’s return to Ireland. “There is high anxiety among all of us,” she shared on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.
We remain optimistic in hoping for news that both Ms Towey and her mother, Caroline are enroute home on a flight. Will the impending court case push through? Or if it does, what outcomes should we expect? It’s difficult to accept that this has occurred to a woman so young, energetic and adventurous; an avid traveller. She is truly a vibrant young lady.
We’re hopeful that events will turn in such a way that court proceedings may not become a necessity. It’s near inconceivable to understand the charges this young woman is facing: an attempt at her own life. It’s incredibly challenging to believe this could be true.