On The case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai

B100341/2025

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

(2025/2796(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

having regard to its previous resolutions on Dubai and the United Arab Emirates,

A. Whereas British national Ryan Cornelius has been imprisoned in Dubai since 2008 after being convicted in a disputed fraud case and, despite serving his original 10-year sentence, was subjected in 2018 to a retroactive 20-year extension under newly enacted UAE legislation;

B. Whereas the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has declared his continued imprisonment a violation of international law, citing lack of due process, coerced confessions, solitary confinement, and denial of legal counsel;

C. Whereas the continued detention of Ryan Cornelius violates multiple principles of international law, including the prohibition of retroactive criminal penalties under Article 15 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the UAE is a party; whereas the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has concluded that his imprisonment is arbitrary and in contravention of Articles 9 and 14 of the ICCPR, which guarantee the right to liberty and security of person, the right to a fair trial, and protection against arbitrary detention; whereas Mr Cornelius was subjected to prolonged solitary confinement, denied access to legal counsel during critical phases of his trial, and was sentenced to an additional 20 years under a law enacted after his original conviction, violating the principle of legality; whereas the UAE has failed to implement the UN body's recommendations for his immediate release and compensation, thereby undermining its obligations under international human rights law;

C. Whereas Mr Cornelius, now 71 and suffering from serious health conditions, remains detained in harsh conditions despite growing international condemnation and diplomatic efforts from the UK, Ireland, and the EU;

1. Expresses its deep concern at the continued arbitrary detention of Ryan Cornelius in the United Arab Emirates, despite the expiry of his original sentence and clear findings of illegality under international law;

2. Underlines the grave humanitarian implications of his deteriorating health and prolonged imprisonment, which constitute inhumane treatment in breach of international human rights standards

3. Calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to urgently engage with the UAE authorities at the highest diplomatic level to secure the immediate release of Ryan Cornelius;

4. Urges the EU Delegation to the UAE to closely monitor his conditions of detention and provide consular assistance in collaboration with Ireland and the United Kingdom;

5.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, the Member States, the Government of the United Arab Emirates, including the Ruler’s Court of Dubai, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE and the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention;