An Irishman faces “several years” in jail in Dubai after sending a ninja emoji to an acquaintance who allegedly stole his belongings.
Stuart Quiney traveled to the United Arab Emirates in September and is currently staying with a friend while subject to a travel ban.
The text messages were sent before the 39-year-old got there.
In January 2022, the property renovator accompanied his friend to Dubai to help him set up his new life.
Stuart, from Laragh, Co Wicklow, Ireland, met a Belgian resident who helped his friend get an apartment.
Stuart stayed with his friend for two months before returning to Ireland.
The passionate golfer and gardener intended to return to the UAE a week later to spend more time with his friend.
He left some of his belongings in the apartment.
Stuart Quiney (pictured, left) traveled to the United Arab Emirates in September and is currently staying with a friend while subject to a travel ban.
Stuart now faces several years in prison thanks to his use of emojis
A spokesperson for Detained in Dubai alleged: “While Stuart and his friend were outside, the Belgian entered the premises and took all their personal belongings without permission.”
‘Stuart was understandably upset and hoped he could get his things back – they were personal to him, including small but sentimental gifts from his late grandmother.
“Stuart drafted several legal letters but they were completely ignored.”
“I don’t really care about clothes, just those things that were my grandmother’s and a gift from a friend are very important to me,” Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, told crisis manager.
“I came in June last year and sent him a few messages, basically telling him I wanted my stuff back or I was going to the police, but I got no response.”
After returning to Ireland he received more bad news.
Her grandmother suffered from dementia and was moved to a home.
“It hit him very hard,” Mrs Stirling added.
He is now not allowed to leave the UAE.
Stuart sent these emojis to his Belgian partner, which were used as proof of the alleged threat.
‘She is his best friend. He dealt with the pain by drinking alcohol, something he only does once or twice a year.
“In a drunken state, he must have remembered the robbery, took his phone and sent some ninja man emojis and a drop of blood to the Belgian.”
Mr Quiney told Mrs Stirling: “I rarely drink so this is not at all typical for me.”
“I’ve never had any problems with the law.”
When he arrived on September 6, he was immediately detained, transported to Al Barsha police station and told he could not leave the country, the organization said.
“He has been informed that he could face several years in prison under strict laws that prohibit rude, offensive or threatening text messages, even if expressed sarcastically or jokingly between close friends or loved ones,” the Detained in statement explained. Dubai.
“Stuart’s mother has been in contact with the accuser and they have both apologized, but he has said he will not withdraw the case,” Stirling said.
He said whistleblowers often abuse Dubai’s strict laws and open police cases simply as a means to extort victims.
“It is inconceivable that this would be allowed to happen.
‘It puts people at risk of false accusations and unfair prosecutions.
‘The UAE’s cybercrime laws are very dangerous for tourists.
“They are unclear, subjective, applied arbitrarily, and punishments can be severe.”