Human Rights Watch, a nonprofit, non-governmental human rights organization, has urged the UAE authorities to reveal the whereabouts of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, the 32-year old daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Following years of torture and the restrictions imposed by her family, Sheikha Latifa made a desperate attempt to flee Dubai earlier this year. However, the UAE authorities forcefully captured Sheikha Latifa at sea on 4th of March 2018, and brought her back to the UAE. According to the witnesses she has not been heard since, raising serious concerns about her safety and wellbeing.
“UAE authorities should immediately reveal the whereabouts of Sheikha Latifa, confirm her status, and allow her contact with the outside world,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East Director at Human Rights Watch. “If she is detained she needs to be given the rights all detainees should have, including being taken before an independent judge.”