Two Ohio brothers, one an Air Force veteran, face four months in a Dubai prison for drinking on a yacht. They allege they were drugged and robbed and are seeking help from US lawmakers, including Senator JD Vance.
In a shocking case highlighting the perils of foreign travel, two Ohio brothers, Joseph and Joshua Lopez, find themselves behind bars in Dubai, accused of drinking alcohol on a yacht. Joseph, an Air Force veteran and father of a young child, and Joshua are appealing their four-month prison sentences, alleging they were victims of a sinister scheme.
Radha Stirling, CEO of the human rights organization Detained in Dubai, is advocating for the brothers, claiming they were drugged and robbed on the same night as the drinking incident that led to their arrest. She alleges that the brothers were targeted by scammers while on vacation in Dubai.
Ohio Brothers Caught in Dubai Alcohol Trap Seek US Help After Alleged Scam
"While local criminals target tourists with what appears to be the support of law enforcement, Dubai is far from the 'safe tourist destination' it's marketed as," said Stirling.
The US State Department has confirmed the arrests and is monitoring the situation. "We take our role in assisting U.S. citizens abroad seriously," a spokesperson said. However, due to privacy considerations, the department declined further comment.
Ohio Brothers Caught in Dubai Alcohol Trap Seek US Help After Alleged Scam
The brothers' predicament underscores the complex legal challenges facing Americans traveling abroad. The UAE has a Level 2 travel advisory listed due to threats of terrorism. The State Department warns that public drunkenness and driving under the influence are considered serious offenses in the country, punishable by hefty fines, jail sentences, and even lashings for Muslims.
Stirling warns that visitors to Dubai are facing absurd charges for alleged crimes they did not commit. She cites cases of tourists being targeted by rental car companies, immigration officers, and even for having residual hashish in their blood from previous legal use.
Ohio Brothers Caught in Dubai Alcohol Trap Seek US Help After Alleged Scam
She is urging the US to increase travel warnings for Americans traveling to Dubai. "Not only will they be robbed and extorted, but they'll usually end up in prison too," she said.
The brothers' case is being closely monitored by Senator JD Vance's office, which has been in communication with the State Department and the UAE Embassy. Vance spokesperson Parker Magid said, "Sen. Vance is monitoring the as-yet-unresolved legal proceedings carefully."
Ohio Brothers Caught in Dubai Alcohol Trap Seek US Help After Alleged Scam
Joseph and Joshua Lopez's fate remains uncertain as they await the outcome of their appeal. Their case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of being aware of local laws and customs when traveling abroad, particularly in countries with strict alcohol policies.
