British influencer, 23, facing firing squad death penalty in Dubai
An 'utterly terrified' young woman could face the death penalty in Dubai after being accused of killing a man she met online, with her mum saying she had never seen her daughter 'so frightened' in her life.
According to a report released by Detained in Dubai, British national Brooke George has been arrested and charged with premeditated murder in the Gulf nation after stabbing a 26-year-old man she met online.
George, a TikToker and former shop worker, had travelled to Dubai to meet a British man after connecting with him on Facebook. However, the relationship allegedly turned abusive and controlling upon her second visit, with it being claimed that the man assaulted her after an evening out at Caffreys Bar in Jumeirah Village.
After contacting her family about the incident, George attempted to return to the UK, but was 'punched hard in the face and attacked' while trying to recover her passport from the apartment – this is where she says she reached for a knife in self-defence.
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George was arrested by authorities on 22 June 2026 and charged with murder, meaning she could face death by firing squad if convicted.
Concerns about violence against women and the right to self-defence
After the incident, she attempted to flee back to the UK but was arrested at Dubai International Airport and is now being held in Bur Dubai Police Station.
Her family have said she was in a 'state of shock' when arriving at the airport and had visible bruising on her face.
"This case raises serious concerns about violence against women, the right to self-defence, due process and the treatment of British nationals detained overseas," Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, said of George's case.
"Brooke maintains that she acted only after being subjected to a violent assault and in genuine fear for her safety. She should be treated not merely as an accused person, but as a presumed victim of violence whose allegations and documented injuries deserve proper investigation.
"We will be working to ensure that her rights are protected, that she receives a fair trial, and that the circumstances leading to this tragedy are fully and impartially examined."
'I am deeply concerned for her welfare'
Speaking out about her daughter's case, Thereza George told Detained in Dubai that she was absolutely 'terrified' after the incident and just wanted to go home.
"I have never seen my daughter so frightened in my life. She was crying uncontrollably. I could see that one of her eyes was badly swollen and was beginning to close," she said.
"As Brooke's mother, I am deeply concerned for her welfare. The daughter I spoke to that night was utterly terrified. I firmly believe she was desperately trying to get home and away from whatever had happened to her."
After being taken to the police station, George claimed that she was forced to strip naked in front of male officers, without any female officers present, describing the incident as 'deeply humiliating and distressing'.
She is also said to have received little explanation of the proceedings due to the language barrier and to have been denied access to the British embassy.
"We are calling for Brooke to be released on bail pending the outcome of the investigation," Stirling added.
"The authorities must investigate Brooke's allegations with the same seriousness as the allegation against her. Multiple witnesses observed visible injuries immediately after the incident.
"Rather than treating Brooke solely as a murder suspect, investigators must also examine her being the victim of serious violence and possible exploitation. She should be afforded protection, appropriate medical care, legal representation and immediate British consular assistance while the investigation proceeds."
LADbible has reached out to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.
Topics: UK News, World News, Dubai
Brenna Cooper