An Irish flight attendant who attempted suicide after consuming a large amount of alcohol while in the Arab emirate has been “trapped” in Dubai and has been prosecuted and banned from leaving the country.
According to the Daily Mail, 28-year-old Tori Tawi, who works for Emirates Airlines in the UAE, claims she was the victim of domestic violence in her home. A spokesperson for the legal group Detained in Dubai (DiD) revealed that the young woman’s South African husband chased her with a knife and punched her before slamming her hand into the bathroom door, trying to break it. After the attack, Taui’s husband, who also worked for Emirates Airline, was fired from his job.
Irish airline stewardess 'trapped in Dubai' after 'domestic assault' https://t.co/xW96fXvybk via @MailOnline
— Radha Stirling (@RadhaStirling) July 9, 2024
Psychologically affected by the attack, which left her body covered in cuts and bruises, the Irish flight attendant became drunk and tried to end her life. Fortunately, she did not succeed, but was subsequently taken to the local police station, where she was informed that she would be prosecuted for drinking and attempted suicide. Since then, the 28-year-old has been desperately trying to find a way to return home as the local authorities have blocked her passport and she cannot travel.
Speaking through the DiD group, which is assisting the family, Taui said: “I don’t know what will happen in court next week. I desperately want to go back to Ireland and put all this behind me. I ask the Irish Prime Minister to help us.” According to the support group, the girl is at risk of ending up incarcerated in a prison known for “human rights abuses and torture”.
Myself and @ClaireKerrane raised the emergency case of Tori Towey with the Taoiseach seeking urgent intervention in her situation.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) July 9, 2024
The system in Dubai, rather than protecting this Irish citizen chose to detain and charge her.
She wants to come home.
The Taoiseach must… pic.twitter.com/X9VF0afrbx
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said he would intervene to find a solution to this “appalling” case, following a question raised by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou MacDonald in the Irish parliament on Tuesday afternoon. Mr Harris thanked Ms McDonald for bringing the problem to his attention and pledged to work with the MP to provide help for their young compatriot.
MacDonald said she had spoken to Taui and that the 28-year-old’s mother had travelled to Dubai to be with her. “Tori just wants to go home. She is a woman from Roscommon and she wants to come home,” he said.
Speaking to Sky News, Tori’s aunt, Anne Flynn, said the girl is trying to build up her courage. “It’s a very stressful situation for the whole family,” she said, describing her niece as “a beautiful young woman” who “loves to have fun and travel”.
“She was hired into her dream job at Emirates and could continue to travel as a flight attendant. She loved Dubai and had several friends there,” she said of the girl.
