Craig Ballentine, a 33-year-old from Northern Ireland, has been cleared to return home after being detained in the UAE for a negative Google review about his former employer. After a lengthy ordeal involving legal pitfalls and financial strain, he is expected to arrive in Dublin while maintaining the possibility of a future court hearing.
Craig Ballentine, a 33-year-old holidaymaker from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, has been released from detention in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is set to return home for Christmas. Mr. Ballentine was initially arrested at Abu Dhabi airport in October due to a critical Google review he posted about his former employer in Dubai. Accused of slander, he faced potential imprisonment under the UAE’s stringent cybercrime laws. After a prolonged ordeal, he paid a fine, had his travel ban lifted, and is now prepared to reunite with his family during the holiday season.
In 2023, Mr. Ballentine secured employment at a dog grooming salon in Dubai. His difficulties arose when he needed medical leave; after providing a doctor’s certificate, he was wrongly marked as “absconded” when he did not attend work. This designation led to a travel ban, which he eventually succeeded in lifting after two months and significant financial expense. During his time in Northern Ireland, Mr. Ballentine penned a Google review detailing his experiences with his former employer. Upon returning to the UAE for vacation, he was arrested for slander, leading to his extended detention.
Mr. Ballentine’s case highlights the complexities and potential repercussions of expressing negative opinions online within jurisdictions with strict cybercrime laws. Although he has managed to secure his return to Northern Ireland for Christmas, he may still need to face further legal proceedings in Dubai early next year. His plight drew attention from various political figures, underscoring the importance of advocacy in international legal matters.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
