Raped British woman arrested for 'illegal sex'

23-year-old, who was raped by a waiter in a Dubai luxury hotel, was arrested by the police for having sexual intercourse with her fiance

23-year-old, who was raped by a waiter in a Dubai luxury hotel, was arrested by the police for having sexual intercourse with her fiance

A 23-year-old British woman on holiday in Dubai told police she had been raped, only to be arrested herself for having illegal sexual intercourse.

The woman, a Muslim of Pakistani descent, was celebrating her engagement to her 44-year-old boyfriend, and was allegedly attacked when she passed out in a hotel lavatory.

Despite approaching police about the attack, she was arrested for "illegal drinking" outside licensed premises as well as having sexual intercourse outside marriage.

Her fiance was also charged with the same offences. The couple are now on bail and awaiting trial after having their passports confiscated. If found guilty, they could face up to six years in jail.

The woman admitted to drinking alcohol as they celebrated at Dubai Marina's Address Hotel. The waiteru00a0 then followed her into the toilets and raped her while she was in a state of semi-consciousness.

After her fiance found out about the attack, they contacted the police, but they were questioned about breaking the country's strict rules, which contain elements of Sharia law.

Alcohol test

She was then made to give a blood test to prove she had been drinking, and was given access to proper medical checks following an appeal from the British embassy, it is claimed.

Her attacker is believed to have denied rape, claiming she consented, but he has also been charged with illegal sex.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said, "We can confirm two British nationals were arrested in Dubai on January 1.

Our embassy in Dubai is providing consular assistance and we cannot confirm or release further details about the case."

Strict Laws

Dubai has strict rules about sexual intercourse and alcohol. In July 2008, British woman Michelle Palmer, was convicted after being caught having drunken sex outsider marriage with Vince Acors. They were given three-month suspended jail sentences.