Mia O’Brien, a 23-year-old woman from Liverpool, UK, is currently serving a 25-year sentence in Dubai’s Central Prison after being convicted of drug-related offenses. The case has drawn attention after it was revealed that O’Brien was allegedly found in possession of 50g of cocaine.
Mia’s mother, Dannielle McKenna, described her daughter’s situation as a “stupid mistake.” In a heartfelt statement, Dannielle explained that Mia, who had attended university to study law, became involved with the wrong crowd, which led to her arrest. “Mia is only 23 years old and has never done a bad thing in her life,” Dannielle said, adding that Mia went to Dubai to visit friends and ended up getting “caught up in it.”
Despite the serious charges, Dannielle maintains that Mia never intended to sell or smuggle the drugs. “She was crying on the phone and saying ‘Oh mum – please forgive me.’ I definitely don’t think she was going to sell the drugs or bring them back,” Dannielle explained.
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Mia has been locked up in Dubai’s central jail (GoFundMe)
Legal Struggles and Appeal
Mia’s case has taken a significant emotional toll on her family, and her mother has started a fundraiser to support her legal efforts. However, the initial GoFundMe page was removed, as the platform prohibits fundraising for legal defenses related to certain crimes, including drug offenses. Dannielle expressed frustration but has since set up a new fundraising effort independently.
Mia is expected to appeal the sentence soon, and her family hopes she may be allowed to serve the remainder of her sentence closer to home in the UK. According to her mother, Mia is devastated by the outcome but remains strong, though she deeply misses her two young brothers, aged five and seven.
“Mia is being really brave about it, but she really misses her two young brothers,” said Dannielle. “She just wants to come home. I want her home too – she’s my only daughter.”
Mia’s mom, Dannielle, set up a GoFundMe (GoFundMe)
UK Government Support
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that they are providing assistance to Mia’s family and are in contact with local authorities in Dubai.
Mia’s mother expressed her shock over the situation, stating, “I was so shocked when she told me what had happened – I would never have thought it in a million years.” Despite the harsh prison conditions, Mia is trying to remain strong, focusing on keeping her head down until she can return home.
This case has sparked significant concern about the legal consequences of drug-related offenses in countries like the UAE, where drug laws are notoriously strict.
