Tori Towey, a 28-year-old from Boyle, County Roscommon, works in the UAE as an airline cabin crew member. She reportedly attempted suicide after suffering severe bruising and injuries from an alleged attack.
Despite surviving, she was charged with attempted suicide and alcohol abuse by the UAE authorities, leading to her passport being blocked and preventing her return to Ireland.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald highlighted Tori's plight in the Irish parliament, emphasizing the extreme stress Tori is under and calling for urgent intervention from Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris.
Harris, while not fully informed on the case, expressed willingness to collaborate with McDonald to support Tori in what he described as "appalling circumstances."
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance, though they have not disclosed specific details about the case. Tori is currently residing in a rented property in Dubai with her mother, Caroline, who traveled to support her. The family has also received help from Detained In Dubai, an advocacy group.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained In Dubai, called on Dubai authorities to drop the charges against Tori and lift her travel ban, enabling her return to Ireland.
Stirling criticized the UAE's contradictory stance on alcohol, which is promoted as legal but still results in regular charges for consumption and possession. She described Tori's ordeal as tragic, noting her fortunate survival.
Ann Flynn, Tori's aunt, expressed the family's stress and admiration for Caroline and Tori's strength. Flynn described Tori as a fun-loving, beautiful young woman who enjoyed traveling and had secured her dream job with Emirates, allowing her to explore the world.
Tori's case is set to be heard in court on July 18, with potential prison time looming. Sky News has reached out to the Dubai Media Office and the UAE Embassy in Dublin for comments, but none have been provided.
For those experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, the Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org in the UK, and at 1 (800) 273-TALK in the US.
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