Northern Irish Man Detained in Dubai Seeks to Return Home for Christmas

Craig Ballentine, a Northern Irish man, was arrested in Dubai for posting a negative review of his former employer, facing potential jail time under UAE cybercrime laws. He is now awaiting resolution of his case, hoping to return home by Christmas with support from local officials and family.

Craig Ballentine, a care worker from Northern Ireland, finds himself in a precarious situation after being detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for posting a negative review about his former employer. Following his return to the UAE for a holiday in October, he was arrested at Abu Dhabi airport and now faces slander charges under the country’s stringent cybercrime laws. All he desires is to return home to his family in time for Christmas, expressing that the wait is distressing for everyone involved.

Craig Ballentine had previously moved to Dubai to work at a dog grooming salon. After nearly six months of employment, he left due to illness, providing a doctor’s certificate to his employer. When he failed to report to work, he was misclassified as ‘absconded,’ resulting in a travel ban, which he later managed to lift. While in Northern Ireland, he criticized his former employer in an online review. His subsequent return to Dubai led to his unexpected arrest due to the review’s content, highlighting the legal risks associated with expressing dissatisfaction in the UAE.

The circumstances surrounding Craig Ballentine’s arrest illuminate the complexities of local laws governing online expression in foreign countries. With ongoing support from various political figures in Northern Ireland, his case serves as a cautionary tale regarding the potential ramifications of sharing personal experiences online. As the legal process unfolds, Mr. Ballentine urgently seeks to reunite with his family for Christmas, a sentiment echoed by his loved ones.

Original Source: www.bbc.com