Richard Ashmore

Seven UN experts have called on the United Arab Emirates to release British businessman Ryan Cornelius, 72, whose original 10-year sentence for allegedly defrauding Dubai Islamic Bank ended in 2018 but was extended by another 20 years. The experts said the extension followed serious judicial irregularities and that his detention had been found arbitrary. They also raised concerns about solitary confinement, inhumane prison conditions and potential irreversible harm to his physical and mental health. Cornelius's wife, Heather, says his imprisonment has kept him from his children and newborn grandchild, while her family criticises the UK government for failing to intervene sooner.