S1 EP6 – Ryan Cornelious – 17 Years in Dubai Jail!

In this episode of UDecide podcasts, I sit down with Martin Lonergan, aka Big Foot, who is leading a campaign to free his friends Ryan Cornelius and Charles Ridley – two British businessmen imprisoned in the UAE who have served their sentence. Martin shares the shocking details of UAE prisons and the challenge of the legal battles including the Magintsky act to re-unite them with their families with the help of Sir Bill Browder. Last UK Parliament motion on this case: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons… Detention of Ray Cornelius and Charles Ridley in the press: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/… Watch Alicia Kearns MP call for the release of Ryan Cornelius in the House of Commons:    • Calling for urgent Government action …   Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell! 💰 Support the channel by buying me a Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/potkinazarmehr Highlights 🌍 Tale of Two Cities: Martin describes Dubai as a place of stark contrasts, where a luxurious life coexists with a dark side of the legal system. 📅 Lengthy Imprisonment: Ryan Cornelius and Charles Ridley have been imprisoned for over 16 years, showcasing the extreme lengths of their legal battle. 🚨 Inhumane Conditions: The podcast details the horrendous conditions faced by prisoners in Dubai, including inadequate medical care and poor living conditions. 🔒 Commercial Disputes Criminalized: The ease with which commercial disputes turn into criminal allegations in Dubai is alarming, raising questions about justice and fairness. 💔 Family Impact: The emotional toll on the families of the imprisoned men, including missed milestones and devastating health issues, is highlighted. ⚖️ Inadequate Government Support: Martin discusses the lack of meaningful intervention from the British government, despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness. 📜 Magnitsky Act Challenges: The conversation touches on the complexities of implementing the Magnitsky Act against the UAE due to diplomatic and economic considerations. Key Insights 📉 Judicial System Flaws: The judicial system in Dubai heavily favors the prosecution, making it difficult for defendants to mount a successful defense. This raises concerns about the fairness of legal proceedings and the protection of human rights. 🏛️ Inhumane Prison Conditions: Martin’s firsthand account of life in Dubai’s prisons reveals a stark absence of basic human rights, highlighting the need for international oversight and reform. 👪 Devastating Family Consequences: The long-term imprisonment of Ryan and Charles has devastating effects on their families, illustrating the broader social impact of wrongful incarceration. 📣 Limited Diplomatic Action: The British government’s hesitance to act on behalf of its citizens in foreign prisons reflects a troubling trend in international diplomacy, prioritizing economic interests over human rights. 💔 Mental Health Struggles Post-Imprisonment: The psychological impact of long-term incarceration can be profound, affecting reintegration into society and personal relationships. 🌐 Challenges of the Magnitsky Act: Implementing the Magnitsky Act against a key trading partner like the UAE demonstrates the complexities of balancing human rights advocacy with economic relations. 🏗️ Commercial vs. Criminal Allegations: The ease with which commercial disputes can escalate into criminal charges in Dubai underscores the need for clearer legal distinctions and protections for business professionals operating internationally. Overall, this episode sheds light on the stark realities faced by those who find themselves entangled in the legal system of a foreign country, particularly in the context of business and financial disputes. The discussion not only emphasizes the personal stories of those affected but also highlights the broader implications for international law, human rights, and diplomatic relations.