Student Sentenced to Life in Dubai Jail for Drug Charges

A young British student, Mia O’Brien, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in Dubai after being found with approximately 50 grams of Class A drugs. O’Brien, aged 23 and from Merseyside, traveled to Dubai to visit friends but was arrested for drug possession during her stay. Her case has garnered attention following a public appeal by her mother, Danielle McKenna, who has shared details of the troubling circumstances surrounding her daughter’s conviction.

O’Brien was convicted on July 25, 2023, after a one-day hearing conducted entirely in Arabic. She pleaded not guilty to charges of intent to supply drugs. During the proceedings, the court imposed a fine of £100,000 before sentencing her to serve time in the notorious Dubai Central Prison. McKenna described the prison as a “living hell,” notorious for overcrowded conditions and allegations of violence against inmates.

Details of the Case and Prison Conditions

According to McKenna, O’Brien was not involved in any drug trafficking scheme and had merely made a “stupid mistake” while visiting friends. She had financed her own trip, using her savings, and was not acting as a “drug mule” for anyone. The circumstances of her arrest remain unclear, as the details about her friends, who were also present during the incident, have not been disclosed.

Reports indicate that conditions in Dubai Central Prison are dire, with cells designed for three or four occupants housing as many as twenty inmates. O’Brien reportedly sleeps on a mattress on the floor in a cell shared with six others, a situation that has left her feeling “scared,” according to her mother. McKenna expressed her concern for her daughter’s well-being, describing the prison as lacking adequate staff and resources.

A Family’s Appeal for Support

In an effort to raise funds for legal fees and potential family visits, McKenna had initially launched a GoFundMe campaign. However, the crowdfunding platform removed the campaign, citing violations of its terms concerning fundraising for legal defense related to certain alleged crimes. A spokesperson for GoFundMe confirmed that the campaign was taken down due to this policy.

Despite the setback, McKenna thanked those who had already contributed and indicated plans to establish a new fundraising effort outside GoFundMe. She emphasized that any contributions would assist in sending money to her daughter and covering legal expenses. “This is a young girl, who went to university to study law, and unfortunately got mixed up with the wrong so-called friends,” she said.

O’Brien’s family remains hopeful for an appeal that may allow her to serve her sentence in the UK. McKenna underscored that her daughter had never been in trouble before and firmly believes that O’Brien did not intend to bring drugs back to the UK for distribution. As the family navigates this challenging situation, their focus remains on securing the necessary support for O’Brien’s legal battle and well-being.