Texas influencer detained in Dubai for 3 months faces $10,000 demand from rental car company.

Texas influencer detained in Dubai for 3 months faces $10,000 demand from rental car company.

Woman Detained in Dubai Faces Dubious Charges

Dubai

Tierra Allen, a 29-year-old woman from Texas, finds herself in a dire situation in Dubai. Facing a two-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine, her journey home has been interrupted, leaving her stranded in a foreign land. The case against Allen stems from accusations made by a rental car company employee, claiming that she not only screamed publicly but also slandered the company. However, upon closer examination, the charges seem dubious and have raised concerns about the legal system in Dubai.

Back in April, Allen had an argument with the rental car company employee, which resulted in her being accused of violating a public decency law. This accusation alone was enough to prevent her from leaving the country. However, as the international media shed light on her case, Dubai police amended the complaint, adding charges of slander and defamation against the car rental company staff.

The amendment came after Radha Stirling, a UK-based human rights advocate and Allen’s legal advocate, brought attention to the absurdity of the initial charge. Stirling’s organization, “Detained in Dubai,” has been supporting Allen throughout her ordeal. According to Stirling, the authorities concocted the new allegations after realizing the weakness of their original claim.

Allen’s troubles began when she was involved in a minor accident while traveling as a passenger in a rental car. The car was towed back to the rental company’s office, with Allen’s belongings still inside, including her wallet, phone, and passport. When she approached the rental company to retrieve her items, they demanded a significant payment for their return, a known scam in Dubai. This led to a heated argument and the subsequent involvement of the authorities.

Stirling reveals that registering criminal cases against Westerners in the UAE with the intention of dropping them in exchange for money is a common practice. However, Allen chose to stand her ground, despite the risks involved. For three months, she has faced the possibility of imprisonment, trapped in a foreign country without an income, support, or access to justice.

The charges Allen faces have serious consequences. Stirling states that Allen could be sentenced to two years in prison, and the plaintiff is demanding $10,000 in damages, with the potential for that amount to increase at their discretion. The severity of the charges, coupled with the ongoing ordeal, has put Allen in a vulnerable position.

Fortunately, there seems to be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Allen’s mother, Tina Baxter, informed Insider that her daughter expects to retrieve her personal items from the rental car agency soon. Additionally, Allen will be meeting with the police department in hopes of reconciling with the rental car employee and having the criminal charges dropped.

The case of Tierra Allen highlights the challenges faced by individuals caught up in the legal system of foreign countries. It raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the legal process in Dubai. As international attention focuses on this peculiar case, it is crucial to ensure that justice is served and that individuals like Allen can safely return home.