VP/HR — Threat of imprisonment levelled at EU citizen after being raped in Dubai

10.2.2014

Question for written answer E-001349-14
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 117
Jörg Leichtfried (S&D) , Evelyn Regner (S&D) , Karin Kadenbach (S&D) , Josef Weidenholzer (S&D) , Hannes Swoboda (S&D)

A young Austrian female was recently the victim of a rape in Dubai. The lady subsequently sought refuge with the police in Dubai, but, instead of helping her, the police threatened the lady with one year’s imprisonment for ‘extramarital sexual relations’ unless she married her assailant. This is not the only known such case. A lady from Norway met with a similar fate approximately half a year ago. This lady was spared imprisonment because the Norwegian Foreign Minister personally saw to her release. This was also the case with the young Austrian female. An Austrian crisis team was then able to bring the lady back to Austria.

1. Is the High Representative aware of such cases?

2. Does the High Representative plan to take action in this matter and see to it that the lady obtains immunity from punishment? If so, what approach will the Commission choose to take?

3. Would it be at all possible for political pressure to be exerted with the aim of having these misogynistic laws changed?

OJ C 307, 10/09/2014