A Northern Irishman, Craig Ballentine, finds himself entangled in legal troubles in the United Arab Emirates, following his arrest for posting a negative Google review about his former employer in Dubai.
Ballentine, who had previously worked at a dog grooming salon in Dubai for approximately six months in 2023, was arrested at Abu Dhabi airport in October. The arrest was triggered by a negative online review he posted detailing grievances with his former employer.
According to reports, during his employment, Ballentine required time off due to illness and presented medical certificates to substantiate his condition. Despite this, his employer reportedly marked him as ‘absconded’ with UAE authorities, resulting in a travel ban being placed against him.
After initially managing to have the travel ban lifted, Ballentine returned to Northern Ireland. It was there he posted the incriminating Google review. When he returned to the UAE for a holiday, he was detained and charged with slander, leading to further complications.
Ballentine has reportedly paid a fine and encountered a one-month ban from social media platforms. Despite efforts to lift the travel ban, authorities have appealed his case, setting a court date for February.
In a conversation with the BBC, Ballentine expressed his distress after receiving news of the court’s dissatisfaction and their intent to appeal. He described an overwhelming emotional ordeal, feeling trapped by the circumstances.
To assist with mounting legal fees, Ballentine’s family initiated a GoFundMe campaign, raising nearly $2,500 to date. The family described the situation as a ‘living nightmare,’ highlighting the financial and emotional toll it has taken on them.
Ballentine has reached out to political figures for assistance, facilitated by Radha Stirling from the advocacy group ‘Detained in Dubai.’ Stirling emphasized the widespread concern this case has sparked, noting an increased number of tourists contacting her organization over fears of similar situations.
Craig Ballentine’s predicament serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks of posting online reviews in regions with stringent legal frameworks. As he awaits his court date in February, the international attention on his case underscores the broader implications for freedom of expression in digital spaces.
Source: Businessinsider
