{{short description|Human rights advocate}} {{Multiple issues| {{Advert|date=July 2024}} {{Undisclosed paid|date=July 2024}} }} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} {{Infobox person | name = Radha Stirling | image = | caption = | birth_date = November 1978 | birth_place = Florida, USA | alma_mater = Bond University | occupation = Human rights advocate | website = [http://www.radhastirling.com radhastirling.com] }} '''Radha Stirling''' (born 1978) is the founder of the UK-based organizations Detained in Dubai, Due Process International, and IPEX Reform. Her work focuses on judicial systems and extradition laws in the Middle East.
In 2008, Stirling founded ''Detained in Dubai'', a justice organisation, after her friend, Cat Le-Huy, had been imprisoned in Dubai. Stirling campaigned for his release;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7276175.stm|title=Man held for jet-lag drugs 'free'|date=2008-03-03|access-date=2019-01-10|language=en-GB}}</ref> subsequently, she received requests from other people in need of help. Stirling subsequently founded Detained in Dubai to provide legal and advocacy assistance to individuals detained in the United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2008-03-03|title=Man held for jet-lag drugs 'free'|language=en-GB|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7276175.stm|access-date=2021-08-18}}</ref>
Stirling also campaigns for changes to the legal system of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and founded Due Process International<ref>{{Cite web |last=Delaney |first=James |date=2022-10-18 |title=Scot held over Qatar loan debt left 'isolated' in 'rat-infested cell' |url=https://news.stv.tv/east-central/scottish-engineer-held-in-iraq-over-qatar-loan-debt-had-everything-taken-away-in-rat-infested-cell |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=STV News |language=en-GB}}</ref> to campaign for reforms in the wider Middle East. Stirling lobbied the Australian Parliament regarding human rights provisions in its extradition treaty with the UAE.<ref>{{cite AV media |people = Stirling, Radha |date= 9 February 2011 |title= SBS Radio Interview |trans-title= |medium= |language= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e20mH77wLI8 |access-date= 3 July 2019 |format= |time= |location= |publisher=Radha Stirling |id= |isbn= |oclc= |quote=Timestamps of source content needed in support of appearing statements. }}{{full citation needed|date=July 2019}}</ref>
In March 2018, Stirling acted for Hervé Jaubert and Sheikha Latifa Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, after she made allegations of abuse and torture against her father, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Bianca Britton|title=Sheikha Latifa: Former UN rights chief criticized|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/28/middleeast/dubai-princess-sheika-latifa-mary-robinson-intl/index.html|access-date=2021-08-18|website=CNN|date=28 December 2018}}</ref> Indian and UAE soldiers captured the two as they were in the Arabian Sea, near the coast of India.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://thewire.in/world/french-captain-to-file-suit-over-2018-capture-of-dubai-princess-case-to-also-be-against-india | title=French Captain to File Suit over 2018 Capture of Dubai Princess, Case to 'Also be Against India' }}</ref>
==Early life== Stirling attended Mater Christi College, in Belgrave, Victoria; Yarra Valley Grammar; Box Hill TAFE and Bond University.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://issuu.com/bonduniversity/docs/the_arch_-_issue_4_-_2010_summer|title=The ARCH Magazine {{!}} Issue 4 {{!}} 2010 Summer|website=Issuu|date=9 August 2017 |language=en|access-date=2019-01-10}}</ref>
==Career== Stirling became active in the Middle East when Cat Le-Huy, a friend, was detained in Dubai. She led a campaign for his release in 2008, founding Detained in Dubai.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-02-22|title=TV executive faces jail in Dubai for barely visible cannabis speck|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/tv-executive-faces-jail-in-dubai-for-barely-visible-cannabis-speck-785595.html|access-date=2021-08-18|website=The Independent|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Radha Stirling interview with Channel 9 on Cat Le-Huy's arbitrary arrest in Dubai in 2008 | date=August 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Ye6FPZhi4 |language=en |access-date=2022-11-06}}</ref>
Stirling founded a campaign group, IPEX Reform,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scots father held in Iraq prison over alleged debt released, pressure group says |url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/uk-news/2022/11/13/scots-father-held-in-iraq-prison-over-alleged-debt-released-pressure-group-says/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=www.shropshirestar.com |date=13 November 2022 |language=en}}</ref> where she focuses on cases involving extradition and Interpol red notices. Stirling has provided expert witness testimony in UAE and Qatar extradition cases.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tranent man could face extradition to Qatar over empty cannabis grinder |url=https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/18832725.conor-howard-face-extradition-qatar-empty-cannabis-grinder/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=East Lothian Courier |date=30 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|author=Staff Writers | date = 27 February 2017 | title=Lawyers call for UAE extradition treaty to be suspended over human rights fears | journal = Irish Legal News | url=https://www.irishlegal.com/article/lawyers-call-for-uae-extradition-treaty-to-be-suspended-over-human-rights-fears | language=en | access-date= 3 July 2019 }}</ref>
in 2017, Stirling and barrister Ben Cooper of Doughty Street Chambers urged the British Irish Commercial Bar Association (BICBA) to cancel an upcoming conference with the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) following allegations of corruption and malpractice.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Staff Writers | date = 27 February 2017 | title=BICBA urged to cancel arbitration seminar in Dubai | journal = Irish Legal News | url=https://www.irishlegal.com/article/bicba-urged-to-cancel-arbitration-seminar-in-dubai | language=en | access-date= 3 July 2019 }}</ref> BICBA later cancelled their event.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BICBA urged to cancel arbitration seminar in Dubai|url=https://www.scottishlegal.com/article/bicba-urged-to-cancel-arbitration-seminar-in-dubai|access-date=2021-08-18|website=Scottish Legal News|date=27 February 2017 |language=en}}</ref>
In 2023, Stirling was hired by Joe Biden's sexual assault accuser, Tara Reade.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO_IZcE7Quk |title=Biden accuser Tara Reade & Interpol expert Radha Stirling talk to the Hill Rising: Washington DC |language=en |access-date=2024-05-15 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>
=== Lobbying === Stirling has engaged with various political figures on behalf of her clients. In 2010, Senator Kroger and Stirling<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-11-16 |title=Coalition to vote down treaty |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/coalition-to-vote-down-treaty-20101116-17vgr.html |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> successfully lobbied Australian parliament to install human rights safety provisions into the newly passed extradition treaty between Australia and the UAE.<ref name="Coalition to vote down treaty">{{Cite web |date=2010-11-16 |title=Coalition to vote down treaty |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/coalition-to-vote-down-treaty-20101116-17vgr.html |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
Stirling has worked with a number of British politicians including Priti Patel who advocated for Asa Hutchinson to be freed by the UAE,<ref name="Coalition to vote down treaty"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Neill |first=Lottie |date=2018-03-03 |title=How this woman's 'dream' Dubai trip left her stranded and facing prison |url=https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/dad-brentwood-woman-facing-jail-1288253 |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=EssexLive |language=en}}</ref> Kenny MacAskill for Conor Howard,<ref name="edinburghnews.scotsman.com">{{Cite web |date=2020-11-05 |title='Relieved' Conor Howard to fly home after 'rollercoaster' 3 months facing Qatar extradition over cannabis grinder find |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/relieved-scot-conor-howard-fly-home-after-rollercoaster-3-months-facing-qatar-extradition-over-ps10-cannabis-grinder-find-and-he-could-have-faced-5-years-jail-3025316 |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com |language=en}}</ref> Emma Lewell-Buck who raised the case of Robert Urwin in Parliament,<ref>{{Cite web |last=McFadden |first=Brendan |date=2019-12-08 |title=British man detained in Ukraine for 14 months over bounced cheque allowed home |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/british-man-detained-ukraine-14-21054354 |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=mirror |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Interpol Red Notice Removal. Interpol Red Notice removed by IPEX after Qatar Interpol Abuse | date=24 September 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiXW-gQjkAU |language=en |access-date=2022-11-12}}</ref> Crispin Blunt who supported Christopher Emms<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-30 |title=U.S. fails in bid to extradite Brit for helping North Korea evade sanctions with cryptocurrency |url=https://therecord.media/us-fails-in-bid-to-extradite-brit-for-helping-north-korea-evade-sanctions-with-cryptocurrency/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=The Record by Recorded Future |language=en}}</ref> and Canadian MP Richard Martel and Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Minister Pamela Goldsmith-Jones to successfully resolve 86 criminal cases against André Gauthier<ref>{{Cite web |title=Le Monde Juridique – The Montreal Lawyer {{!}} Canadian government in the dark about whistleblower's status |date=29 May 2019 |url=http://lemondejuridique.com/actualites/canadian-government-in-the-dark-about-whistleblowers-status/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |language=en}}</ref> in the Gold AE scandal. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to calls by Martel,<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM Trudeau talks CUSMA, Andre Gauthier, and Toronto Raptors (or not) {{!}} Watch News Videos Online |url=https://globalnews.ca/video/5324777/pm-trudeau-talks-cusma-andre-gauthier-and-toronto-raptors-or-not/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}</ref> before his release from jail in Dubai. Stirling has worked with Lord Timothy Clement-Jones,<ref>{{Citation |title=BBC on Ryan Cornelius - interview with Lord Timothy Clement-Jones & Radha Stirling | date=13 March 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNZuQ5_2Ors |language=en |access-date=2022-11-12}}</ref> Baroness Janet Whitaker and Andy Slaughter, MP to call on the Foreign Office to increase their travel warnings and even sanction the UAE over the abuse of Brits in detention.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tortured yet again - Albert's health deteriorates in Dubai jail as UK government finally acts |url=http://www.travellerstimes.org.uk/news/2022/01/tortured-yet-again-alberts-health-deteriorates-dubai-jail-uk-government-finally-acts |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=Travellers Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-13 |title=British football coach jailed for 25 years in Dubai over cannabis oil found in car |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/billy-hood-dubai-football-cbd-b1937526.html |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, she worked with Douglas Chapman, MP to secure the freedom of Scotsman Brian Glendinning.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Young |first1=Iona |last2=Vesty |first2=Sarah |date=2022-10-17 |title=Wife of Scottish dad jailed in Iraq fears he is unwell after distressing prison phone call |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/wife-scottish-dad-jailed-iraq-25278856 |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=edinburghlive |language=en}}</ref>
=== Interpol and extradition reform === Stirling founded IPEX Reform, an NGO campaigning for reform of extradition laws and the red notice system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brother of Scot held in Iraq says his conditions are 'vile' |url=https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/national/23083574.brother-scot-held-iraq-says-conditions-vile/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=Weston Mercury |date=27 October 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
Stirling has stated that the Interpol red notice system is subject to misuse by various governments, including the United States and the UAE.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crispin Blunt condemns Foreign Secretary's inaction over constituent detained in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.blunt4reigate.com/news/crispin-blunt-condemns-foreign-secretarys-inaction-over-constituent-detained-saudi-arabia |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=Crispin Blunt MP |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-10-10 |title=While soccer player Hakeem was locked up in Bangkok Airport last summer, the AFP missed a crucial email |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-11/bungles-that-led-to-hakeem-al-araibi-being-locked-up-in-thailand/11583270 |access-date=2022-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-10 |title=UK dad's arrest in Iraq 'sends warning to World Cup fans' |language=en-GB |work=HullLive |url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/real-life/uk-dads-arrest-iraq-sends-7683401 |access-date=2022-11-12 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lagan |first=Sarah |date=2020-08-14 |title=Stevenson detention 'an abuse of his rights' |url=https://www.royalgazette.com/other/news/article/20200814/stevenson-detention-an-abuse-of-his-rights/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=www.royalgazette.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Criticism of the British Foreign Office === Stirling has called for increased travel warnings, saying "no-one would really be aware" of the severity of cyber-crime laws in the UAE, and the "FCO had failed to adequately warn tourists about them."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-04-07 |title=British woman faces Dubai jail over Facebook 'horse' insult |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47847740 |access-date=2022-11-12}}</ref> Over Billy Hood's detention, she said "These are not isolated incidents but repeat patterns and this is why Baroness Whitaker, Andy Slaughter and other MP's have called on the foreign office to increase their travel warnings and even sanction the UAE over the abuse of Brits in detention."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaw |first=Neil |date=2022-02-11 |title=Brit jailed for 25 years in Dubai after friend left CBD oil in car |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/brit-jailed-25-years-dubai-23060670 |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref>
Stirling accused the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of "working too strongly in cooperation with the UAE Government". She criticised the FCO for providing advice to British travellers which "really falls short of the reality of the situation". Stirling also worked with Billy Barclay, who said "that the embassy was advising the family against campaigning for his release. "In fact, it was only as a result of the campaign...that he is home today."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Claims that Dubai locals get Brits jailed for "sport" as Scot Jamie Harron goes on trial |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15611818.claims-dubai-locals-get-brits-jailed-sport-scot-jamie-harron-goes-trial/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=HeraldScotland |date=22 October 2017 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Media appearances === Stirling has appeared in a number of documentaries and TV shows.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Radha Stirling |url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm10607081/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=IMDb}}</ref> She has appeared on ''Good Morning Britain'',<ref>{{Citation |title=Good Morning Britain TV with Radha Stirling, Susanna Reid & Ben Shephard on Billy Hood case | date=15 October 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV1juApjETo |language=en |access-date=2022-11-12}}</ref> ''60 Minutes'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=60 Minutes: The incredible story about a missing princess |url=https://www.9news.com.au/world/princess-latifa-kidnapping-tom-steinfort-analysis-60-minutes/299f2188-6b94-4d2b-9147-c3f305e2b270 |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=www.9news.com.au|date=16 July 2018 }}</ref> ITV's ''DayBreak'',<ref>{{Citation |title=ITV1 DayBreak British Death in Police Custody with Radha Stirling | date=22 April 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs-DfKJBHSs |language=en |access-date=2022-11-12}}</ref> BBC's ''The Missing Princess'', an Aljazeera documentary with Tamer Almisshal,<ref>{{Citation |title=Investment in Dubai - Radha Stirling showcases the risks of investing in the UAE with Tamer Misshal | date=9 March 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2qIUXaQSw0 |language=en |access-date=2022-11-15}}</ref> and the ''Sean Hannity show''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hannity Radio Show Recap: Apr 27 |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2018-04-28-hannity-hannity-radio-show-recap-apr-27/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=iHeart |language=en}}</ref>
===Journalism===
She hosts her own blog and has contributed to the Jerusalem Report,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detained in Dubai: Helping tourists wrongfully accused, jailed in the UAE |url=https://www.jpost.com/jerusalem-report/detained-in-dubai-helping-tourists-wrongfully-accused-jailed-in-the-uae-656718 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=The Jerusalem Post |date=26 January 2021 |language=en-US |issn=0792-822X}}</ref> the Times of Israel,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Radha Stirling's Blog |url=https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/radha-stirling/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=blogs.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}}</ref> the Independent<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-17 |title=Shocked that a woman was arrested for reporting rape in Dubai? I'm not |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/dubai-woman-arrested-gang-rape-uae-sex-crime-local-laws-know-how-common-it-is-a7422336.html |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> and Inside Arabia.
===Ras Al Khaimah and hacking===
Stirling's work includes criticism of the administration of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and its ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=MarketScreener |title=RAK Ceramics Bangladesh : UAE 'asks' Bangladesh to freeze assets of RAKIA CEO Khater Massaad {{!}} MarketScreener |url=https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/RAK-CERAMICS-BANGLADESH-29688871/news/RAK-Ceramics-Bangladesh-UAE-asks-Bangladesh-to-freeze-assets-of-RAKIA-CEO-Khater-Massaad-32338205/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=www.marketscreener.com |date=2 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
A Citizen Lab and Facebook investigation found her clients were targeted by Israeli spy company, Bluehawk CI. Stirling suggested America should hold foreign states and corporations to account.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Rawnsley |first=Adam |date=2021-12-16 |title='Violent in Its Psychological Effects': Inside the Dark World of Cyber Spies-for-Hire |language=en |work=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/reports-from-meta-citizen-lab-reveal-dark-world-of-facebook-cyber-spies-for-hire |access-date=2022-11-15}}</ref>
In a separate incident, ''The Daily Beast'' reported on an attempt to install malware on Stirling's phone by individuals seeking information regarding her litigation against Ras Al Khaimah. The hackers were seeking information on her RAK clients and litigations she was involved with as well as the Jordanian Princess Haya. They then tried to send her malware to surveil her phone<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rawnsley |first=Adam |date=2021-04-06 |title=Israeli Snoop-for-Hire Posed as a Fox News Journalist for a Spy Operation |language=en |work=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/israeli-snoop-for-hire-posed-as-a-fox-news-journalist-for-a-spy-operation |access-date=2022-11-15}}</ref>
===Alcohol in the UAE=== In August 2018, Stirling stated that "the UAE maintains a deliberately misleading facade that alcohol consumption is perfectly legal for visitors" after Swedish-Iranian national Ellie Holman, whom she assisted, was reportedly arrested for drinking one complimentary glass of wine aboard an Emirates flight from London to Dubai. She said "They will offer you alcohol on their airline, and arrest you at the airport for accepting it. This can only be regarded as such a deliberate attempt to misrepresent UAE rules on alcohol that it amounts to entrapment."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/11/woman-arrested-with-daughter-in-dubai-over-drinking-wine-is-released|title=Woman arrested with daughter in Dubai over drinking wine is released|newspaper=The Guardian|date=11 August 2018}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|http://radhastirling.com}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stirling, Radha}} Category:Living people Category:1978 births Category:Bond University alumni Category:British women human rights activists Category:British human rights activists Category:21st-century British people Category:21st-century British women Category:British political consultants Category:People educated at Yarra Valley Grammar