Irish air hostess stuck in Dubai to have travel ban lifted as embassy steps in

Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced that the travel restrictions preventing Irish citizen Tori Towey from departing Dubai have now been removed.

The Irish Embassy in the UAE is set to assist her in travelling to the airport for her return home at her earliest convenience.

Activists have argued that Towey, a 28-year-old flight attendant, has been wrongly accused under the strict laws of the Muslim nation, despite being an alleged assault victim in her own residence.

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Human rights advocates report that after being hospitalised with serious bruising and other injuries, she sought to exit the Gulf country but was prevented from doing so.

In the Dail, Mr Harris stated: “I’ve just been informed that the travel ban has been lifted. The Embassy will take Tori to the airport as soon as she is ready to go. The Embassy of course will continue to follow the case which is still active as of now.”, reports the Irish Mirror.

Additionally, the Taoiseach confirmed having conversations with both Tori and her mother, Caroline.

On another note, Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin told RTE’s News at One about the “painstaking work” done by Alison Milton, Ireland’s Ambassador to the UAE.

He also refuted any suggestion that the media attention and Sinn Fein’s involvement had expedited the resolution of the case.

Martin revealed: ” I would have known last evening (Tuesday) that there was positive news on the way,” and added, “My general view of things is I don’t really comment confidently about anything until somebody is on the plane.”

“I’ve had many situations that we’ve had to deal with in different jurisdictions. But people do things in the best of faith but you know, we tend to have a modus operandi in terms of how we operate, particularly where it involves personal information and cases and so on like that.”

The Tanaiste also remarked on the “twists and turns” in the ongoing situation, yet expressed relief at the recent developments.

Before the update confirming the removal of the travel restriction, the Taoiseach underscored Ms Towey’s status saying she is a “victim” and far from a “criminal”.

He shared that he had engaged in conversation with both Tori and her mother Caroline in the past few hours.

An emphatic Mr Harris addressed the Dail, detailing the ordeal: “An Irish woman, an Irish citizen, has been a victim of horrific male violence, has been the victim of the most brutal, horrific attack one can imagine,”.

He graphically outlined Ms Towey’s plight following the assault: “After enduring that horrific brutal attack, Tori Towey didn’t wake up in a hospital being supported and cared for and loved. She woke up in a police station. We want Tori Towey back in this country. We want her back home in Roscommon, that’s what she wants as well.”

The Taoiseach communicated his discussions with Ms Towey and her mother, emphasising that bringing Tori home was “a priority issue”.

He confirmed consistent communication with the Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates, commending the proactive efforts of both the Ambassador and the Embassy.

Mr Harris concluded with a firm commitment: “No effort will be spared by us, by Ireland, to make progress on this matter and to get Tori Towey home.”

“She doesn’t need to come home after a court case because she is not a criminal. She is a victim of gender-based violence. We expect her to be able to return here to Ireland as an Irish citizen without delay.”

Speaking under privilege, Ms McDonald told the Dail that Ms Towey had gotten married last March.

“Since then, Tori has been subjected to sustained and brutal domestic violence and abuse,” she said.

“When she went to the authorities to seek help, instead of being protected, she was sent home with her husband. Her husband then destroyed her passport so she couldn’t travel and she couldn’t work. She couldn’t come back to Ireland.”

“Tori was, in effect, held captive by her abuser.”

“Just over two weeks ago, she endured a particularly vicious beating. Her husband repeatedly slammed doors on her arms trying to break her limbs and he tried to strangle her. “She fled upstairs in a desperate attempt to escape the violence and in desperation, she tried to take her own life.

“When Tori came to, she was surrounded by paramedics but instead of being taken to a hospital, she was taken to a police station.”

“There she was charged with attempted suicide and alcohol abuse. Tori was placed in a cell with 50 other women. She wasn’t told what she was charged with. She wasn’t given any information at all.”

“Tori was released on bail but her passport was blocked. She is banned from leaving the state.”

Ms McDonald has called on Mr Harris to act swiftly, warning that “once the Dubai court process kicks in, it becomes harder and harder to get Tori back home to Ireland quickly.”

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