Jubilee Post News & Views
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After a secret video leak, United Nations human rights office has asked the United Arab Emirates for proof that Princess Latifa, the daughter of Dubai’s ruler, was alive.
In secretly recorded videos shared by Princess Latifa, she has accused her father of holding her hostage in Dubai since she tried to flee in 2018. The UN has contacted David Haigh from the Free Latifa campaign requesting access to the footage. In the videos, Princess Latifa says she fears for her life.
“We raised our concerns about the situation in light of the disturbing video evidence that emerged this week,” Liz Throssell, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said. “We have asked for a proof of life – we have asked for further information.”
Dubai government and the UAE foreign ministry have not yet commented. Princess Latifa’s father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is one of the richest heads of state in the world, the ruler of Dubai and vice-president of the UAE.
Earlier, a lawyer who presented Princess Latifa’s case to the UN, Rodney Dixon, said “We are hoping an investigation will be decisive in finally getting Princess Latifa released.”
The UAE has close relations with a number of Western countries, including the US and UK, which consider it a strategic ally. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said earlier this week that he would watch any developments “very closely”. “We are concerned about it,” he said, adding that the “deeply troubling” videos showed “a young woman in deep distress”.
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With the help of friends, Latifa tried to flee Dubai in February 2018. “I’m not allowed to drive, I’m not allowed to travel or leave Dubai at all,” she had said in a video just before her failed attempt. Days later, the princess was captured by commandos on a boat in the Indian Ocean and flown back to Dubai. Her father said he was acting in her best interests.
