"I was facing some serious charges there that don't make any sense to Westerners at all.  I would just really like to thank Radha Stirling and Detained in Dubai.  I just can't thank them enough.  Thank you very much, most appreciated."

In July 2017, Scottish electrician Jamie Harron was arrested in Dubai after inadvertently touching a man's hip in a crowded bar, an act he described as trying to avoid spilling his drink. This incident led to charges of public indecency, resulting in a three-month prison sentence. Harron spent several months in Dubai, unable to leave due to the legal proceedings, which caused significant personal and financial strain.

Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, took up Harron's case, bringing international attention to the situation. She criticized the legal process, stating, "A fully functional legal system would not require outside intervention, and a case like Jamie’s would never proceed in the first place." Stirling's advocacy highlighted concerns about the UAE's legal system and its treatment of foreign nationals.

Following widespread media coverage and diplomatic discussions, Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, intervened, ordering Harron's release and the dismissal of all charges. Upon his return to Scotland, Harron expressed his gratitude, stating, "I would just really like to thank Radha Stirling and Detained in Dubai for taking my story to the media... I just can't thank them enough."

Stirling commented on his release:

“When Jamie was called this morning by the police he was told that the case had been dismissed, and that he should come in to collect his passport”, Stirling explained. “He was understandably nervous; as similar calls from the police in other cases were merely tactics to lure individuals into police custody. But when Jamie arrived at the police station, his passport was returned, and he was told that he was free to go. The charges were dropped, the sentence annulled, and he faces no order for deportation. This came by direct order from Sheikh Mohammed.”

Stirling noted that ideally such intervention would not be necessary, but was grateful that the Dubai Ruler took the initiative. “Of course, a fully functional legal system would not require outside intervention, and a case like Jamie’s would never proceed in the first place. But we are enormously grateful to Sheikh Mohammed for stepping in and vindicating Jamie after months of hardship."

See Jamie arrive home:

See Jamie on This Morning: