On the case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai

B100336/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai

(2025/2796(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on United Arab Emirates (UAE), in particular its resolution of 15 September 2021 on the case of human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor in the United Arab Emirates,

- having regard to the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention opinion No. 19/2022 concerning Ryan Cornelius, adopted at its ninety-third session of 30 March–8 April 2022,

- having regard to Rules 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

Whereas Ryan Cornelius, a British citizen, was arrested in Dubai in 2008 relating to a loan for a property development from Dubai Islamic Bank;

Whereas he was initially sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2010 for fraud; whereas in 2018, his sentence was extended by an additional 20 years under a law passed after his arrest, due to his purported failure to repay the debt;

Whereas reportedly he was arrested without a warrant, held in solitary confinement, and denied legal representation;

Whereas he has contracted tuberculosis and suffers from high blood pressure, with allegations of inadequate medical care in prison;

Whereas at the moment his release is scheduled for 2038, when he will be 84 years old;

Whereas according to the opinion No. 19/2022 concerning Ryan Cornelius, adopted by the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the deprivation of liberty of Mr. Cornelius is in contravention of articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is arbitrary; whereas the Working Group requested the UAE to remedy the situation of Mr. Cornelius without delay and bring it into conformity with the relevant international norms, including those set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; whereas the request of the Working Group has not been implemented;

Whereas UAE authorities have claimed, Mr. Cornelius’ case has been dealt in accordance with the UAE’s relevant criminal and procedural laws and throughout his legal proceedings, and according to UAE authorities he has been afforded with all the judicial guarantees provided by the UAE’s Constitution;

Condemns the continued arbitrary arrest of Ryan Cornelius and calls for his immediate and unconditional release, either on grounds of him being re-sentenced based on a law passed after his initial arrest or on humanitarian grounds, and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law;

Urges the Government of UAE to ensure a full and independent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mr. Cornelius and to take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of his rights;

3 Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Government and Parliament of the United Arab Emirates, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Commission, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the governments of the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.