The mum of a British student jailed in Dubai has shared a stern message to ‘haters’.
Mia O’Brien has been given a life sentence and a fine of £100,000 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following a ‘very stupid mistake’.
The 23-year-old from Huyton, Merseyside, was reportedly found in possession of 50g cocaine worth around £2,500 in the UK.
She is said to be struggling in the ‘horrific’ conditions of Dubai’s notorious central prison while her mum, Danielle McKenna, has set up multiple fundraisers.
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In a now-deleted GoFundMe, she wrote: “I haven't seen my daughter since last October. Mia is only 23 years old and has never done a bad thing in her life.”
The page was removed for reportedly ‘breaching community rules’ and McKenna has now set up another new one on Christian fundraising site GiveSendGo.
The mum launched a personal appeal on Facebook last week as she publicly shared her bank details.
And yesterday (9 September), she shared the new link with a clear message.
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“This is my little girl, my first born and only daughter, I would and will fight for my kids till the day I die,” McKenna wrote.
“So to all you haters, let’s hope Karma doesn’t come knocking on your door, your nasty comments do not hurt or affect my life, so you won’t get a reaction or response from me, and if that’s what you’re after, maybe get in touch with the Samaritans help line if you’re that sad and lonely. Much love to you all.”
Launched on GiveSendGo, the campaign has a goal of £5,000 and by Wednesday afternoon has so far raised £70.
In the description, McKenna wrote: “Hi, as everyone knows by now, Mia has been given a life sentence in Dubai, and is now in central prison.
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“I am asking for your help, so that family can get over to Dubai to visit Mia, as we haven’t seen her since last October, and it would also really help with any other fees that we may face a long the way. Even if it’s only a £1 it could help us massively. Thank you so much.”
On this fundraiser, users can also send ‘prayer requests’ as well as donating.
Her previous GoFundMe was removed as a spokesperson told The Sun: "It was removed because it violates Term 9 of the Prohibited Conduct section in our Terms of Service. Term 9 prohibits raising funds on GoFundMe for the legal defence of certain alleged crimes."
McKenna says O’Brien has pleaded ‘not guilty’ and has not yet paid the fine. She has also shared that with an appeal hearing due in a few weeks, her daughter hopes she may be able to serve her sentence back in the UK following Ramadan.
Jess Battison