Tori Towey, an Irish cabin crew member working in Dubai, has been charged with attempting suicide and is currently banned from leaving the UAE after allegedly being the victim of domestic violence. Towey, who sustained severe bruising and other injuries, reportedly tried to take her own life following an attack at her home. Despite surviving, she was taken to a police station where she was charged with attempted suicide and abusing alcohol, leading to a block on her passport.
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald raised Towey’s case in the Irish Parliament, urging immediate intervention from the Irish government. She emphasized that Towey wants to return home to Ireland and criticized the treatment of Towey by Dubai authorities. The Irish premier, Simon Harris, responded by expressing willingness to work with McDonald to support Towey.
Towey and her mother are currently staying in a rental in Dubai, receiving assistance from the advocacy group Detained in Dubai. Radha Stirling, the CEO of the group, described Towey’s situation as tragic and stated that she was lucky to be alive. The group is calling on Dubai authorities to drop the charges, remove the travel ban, and allow Towey to return to Ireland.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs is providing ongoing consular assistance, with the Irish Ambassador to the UAE in regular contact with Towey. The department is engaging with relevant authorities in the UAE to resolve the case and provide support to Towey and her family. This case highlights the severe challenges faced by expatriates dealing with legal and social issues in foreign countries, particularly where cultural and legal systems differ significantly from their home countries.
