Brooke George, a 23-year-old TikTok influencer from Gravesend, Kent, has been charged with premeditated murder in Dubai and faces execution by firing squad if convicted, according to human rights group Detained in Dubai. The group claims she acted in self-defence after her boyfriend became violent.
Background of the Case
George met her boyfriend online and visited him in Dubai once before. During her second visit, Detained in Dubai says her partner became increasingly controlling and abusive, allegedly punching her, withholding her passport, and attacking her at their apartment. On June 22, she was arrested in the early hours after stabbing him.
Claims of Self-Defence
Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, stated: “Brooke George feared for her life and, reaching for a kitchen knife within her grasp, acted in self defence.” The group is calling for her release on bail and for the case to be treated as domestic violence. Stirling added: “We are calling for Brooke to be released on bail pending the outcome of the investigation. The UAE has a well-documented history of criminalising and revictimising women who report violence.”
Alleged Mistreatment in Custody
Detained in Dubai alleges that George was not given access to the British Embassy, was forced to make statements without a solicitor, and was forced to strip naked in front of male officers at Bur Dubai Police Station after being detained.
Mother's Statement
George’s mother, Thereza George, said: “After Brooke returned to Dubai for the second time, the dynamic between them had clearly changed. The day before the incident, she did not seem like herself. She was quieter and not her usual happy, cheerful self, but she did not tell me why. That evening they went to a bar in Dubai. When I spoke to Brooke right after the incident, she was absolutely terrified. I have never seen my daughter so frightened in my life. She was crying uncontrollably. I could see that one of her eyes was badly swollen and was beginning to close.” She added: “I firmly believe she was desperately trying to get home and away from whatever had happened to her.”
Government Response
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement to the BBC: “We are in touch with a British woman detained in the UAE, we are supporting her family, and we are in contact with the local authorities.”
If you’ve been affected by this story, for confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk.
