Watch a New York Student Sentenced to One Year in Dubai Jail After Minor Airport Incident Turns Into Yearlong Ordeal
Elizabeth Polanco De Los Santos, a student from New York, has found herself in a distressing situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). She was sentenced to a one-year jail term for what has been described as “assaulting and insulting” an airport security guard during a layover in Dubai over the summer.
Her journey took an unexpected turn on July 14 when she, along with a friend, was returning home to New York after a vacation in Istanbul. Originally planning to return via Paris, they changed their flight to have a 10-hour layover in Dubai, hoping to explore the city.
However, what was meant to be an adventurous layover quickly turned into a nightmare. At the Dubai airport security checkpoint, Elizabeth was asked to remove a waist pack that she had to wear following a recent operation. Things took a harsh turn as female airport staff not only removed the compressor but also caused her pain by mishandling her surgical scars and making fun of her.
Elizabeth, feeling uncomfortable and violated, asked for assistance to put the garment back on. When her pleas were ignored, she attempted to guide a female security guard by gently touching her arm and called her friend for help.
This minor gesture of seeking assistance led to Elizabeth being held for hours, a complaint filed against her by the security guard she touched, and a requirement to sign a form written in Arabic before being allowed to leave the room.
Upon her return to the airport to catch her flight back to New York, she was shocked to learn about a travel ban issued against her. As a result, she was compelled to remain in the country until her case was heard in court.
After weeks of staying in hotels, she was allowed to pay a substantial amount and leave the UAE. However, this relief was short-lived as Dubai prosecutors appealed the decision, resulting in her recent one-year jail sentence.
This incident has not only taken a significant toll on Elizabeth’s physical and mental health but has also disrupted her life. It highlights serious concerns about how visitors are treated in the UAE and the need for greater awareness of travelers’ rights when navigating the legal processes of foreign countries.