O’Neill urged intervention as a Co Tyrone man was detained in Dubai following an online review

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has been urged to intervene after a man from Co Tyrone in the UAE was arrested over an online review he posted.

Craig Ballentine, 33, from Cookstown, was arrested three weeks ago when he landed in Abu Dhabi for a short break to visit friends and transported to Dubai.

Campaign group Detained in Dubai said Ballentine faces jail time under the UAE’s cybercrime laws.

The organization’s Radha Stirling said the laws ban online criticism.

Ms Stirling said the situation arose after Mr Ballentine had worked as a dog groomer in Dubai for about six months.

After experiencing problems at work, he left a negative review online about the grooming center and his experience.

“Craig has been told by local lawyers that there is almost zero chance of the case against him being dismissed,” Stirling said.

“The UAE’s recently enacted cybercrime laws are a nightmare for foreigners. It is sufficient for a complainant to simply tell the police that someone has posted something offensive or rude.”

Ms Stirling said Mr Ballentine’s parents feared he had died despite not having heard from him.

She said they have urged Ms O’Neill, Mr Ballentine’s local MLA, to register a protest on his behalf.

“Craig has to go home and get to work. It is appalling that the authorities allow visitors to become ensnared in the system by such frivolous criminal reports,” she said.

“We have contacted Craig’s local representative, Michelle O’Neill, to plead with her to take diplomatic action with the UAE Ambassador and FCDO.

“We hope she can help in the same way Ireland helped Tori Towey get home.”

A Sinn Fein spokesman said Ms O’Neill was aware of the matter and lodged a protest on Mr Ballentine’s behalf with the UAE embassy in London.

“Her office remains in contact with the family to provide support and advice,” the spokesperson said.