A travel ban imposed on a Roscommon woman in Dubai was lifted on Wednesday, clearing the way for her to return home to Ireland. It is also understood that the authorities in Dubai have dropped all charges against Tori Towey, who has been living and working there since April 2023.
The North Roscommon woman’s ordeal came to international prominence earlier this week when it emerged that she was being detained against her will in Dubai.
In the Dáil on Tuesday, the young woman’s predicament was highlighted by Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, who revealed that Tori Towey is a victim of domestic violence. The TD claimed that Ms Towey had been held captive by her abuser, whom it is alleged had threatened her life. Ms Towey tried to escape, but ended up facing charges.
On Tuesday, Deputy McDonald said: “Tori now faces charges in Dubai of attempted suicide and the abuse of alcohol. The system over there, rather than protecting this woman – who is an Irish citizen – chose instead to detain her, to charge her. She’s now under the most incredible stress”.
Deputy McDonald called on Taoiseach Simon Harris to intervene. On Wednesday, the Taoiseach informed the Dáil that Tori Towey’s travel ban had been lifted and that the Irish Embassy would take her to the airport in order to make the journey back to Ireland.
The Taoiseach said he will remain in contact with Ms Towey and her mother and that he will be “supporting in any way” he could. “Tori has, in my view, been through the most horrific situation. It is utterly unacceptable how an Irish citizen is being treated and that is mild language in terms of how I feel,” the Taoiseach added.
