International Publications Have Misrepresented The Swedish Tourist Story And Tweeps Are Fuming
The story of the Swedish woman who was detained at Dubai airport has made headlines internationally.
What was reported in the UK papers, from the notorious Dubai-bashing Daily Mail, to the Telegraph, Evening Standard and Guardian were all a far cry from the actual story – all headlines choosing to highlight the fact the woman had had wine, rather than about her refusal to pay visa fines, and choosing to film immigration officers while hurling abuse.
The story has been reported in UK, US, Australian and various international titles – all leading with the glass of wine angle, rather than the reality that the woman arrived with an expired passport, filmed an immigration officer (illegal in any country), abused officials and was sent back to the UK.
The UAE’s attorney general made a statement on the matter
Clarifying why the woman was detained (her expired visa), and that she was only detained for a finite amount of time – before returned to the UK.
And Tweeps are not happy about the way it has been reported
Swedish woman deported from Dubai after attempting entry on expired passport …https://t.co/engx35QKI9
From day one we all knew it had nothing to do with a glass of “wine”, it was down to someone who thinks they are better than others above law & a liar!
— DubaiNameShame #Ornery (@DubaiNameShame) August 12, 2018
Think there is a bit more to this story than is being reported! The glass of wine appears to be a red herring – that alone would not have this outcome.
— Kim P (@primturn) August 11, 2018
Does not add up. Been to Dubai twice, no issues. Treated very fair and respectully. I think it was her being arrogrant, rude and other issues. She is very lucky the Dubai authorities only deported her. Has nothing to do with drinking. Its her attitude reading between the lines.
— Charles Marcus MCFF (@CharlesMCanada) August 11, 2018
Responding to international press headlines
What a silly article. You can drink alcohol in #Dubai at one of the thousands of bars, clubs, and beaches. Alcohol is served on #Emirates flights and airport terminals. How is this woman ‘held in Dubai’ for ‘drinking a glass of wine’.
— Hasan Kayali (@hkayali) August 10, 2018
Hey @guardian @Telegraph @DailyMailUK et al. Let’s not let facts get in the way of a sensational headline. Ellie Holman travelled to Dubai on an expired visa, argued with an immigration officer & filmed him, all of which would be offences in any western country.
— Hannah Gilburt (@HannahGilburt) August 11, 2018
BREAKING: She wasn’t jailed for drinking glass of wine, but yes, she’s free to go home now. https://t.co/dp1q3JzGLu
— Aisha (@fieryAisha) August 11, 2018
And questioning how she got to the UAE in the first place
Makes you wonder why she was allowed to fly out of Uk with an expired passport????
— Deb (@debbieiw) August 12, 2018
