Credit: Brooke George/TikTok
Mom Of Influencer Facing Firing Squad Death Penalty In Dubai Issues Desperate Plea
The mom of a British 23-year-old facing death by firing squad in Dubai has issued a desperate plea to save her daughter, after she was charged with premeditated murder.
Brooke George, from Gravesend, Kent, was arrested following the fatal stabbing of 26-year-old William Treeby in the United Arab Emirates on June 22.
TikTok influencer George denies deliberately killing Treeby and claims she acted in self-defense after allegedly being violently attacked and fearing for her life.
The case has attracted international attention, with campaign group Detained in Dubai calling on authorities to investigate the incident in the context of alleged domestic violence, rather than treating it solely as a murder case.
George could potentially receive the death penalty if she is convicted of premeditated murder under UAE law.
Family claims relationship became abusive
According to Detained in Dubai, as reported by the BBC, George met Treeby online before traveling to Dubai, where they began a relationship.
Those close to George say her first visit to the city went well, but claim the relationship changed significantly when she returned for a second trip.
The advocacy organization says George alleged that Treeby became increasingly abusive and controlling. She also claimed he withheld her passport, leaving her unable to leave the country.
Detained in Dubai claims George had booked a flight home to the UK before going back to the apartment to recover her passport.
The group says George alleges she was assaulted again after returning, leading her to grab a kitchen knife.
Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, said George maintains she ‘feared for her life and, reaching for a kitchen knife within her grasp, acted in self-defence.’
She says the case highlights a concerning pattern which sees young British women being brought to Dubai with promises of romance and luxury, only to be exploited.
Stirling said: “Authorities must treat her as a domestic violence survivor while they investigate. Brooke maintains she acted in genuine fear for her safety after a violent assault.
“We will ensure her rights are protected and that she receives a fair trial.”
Concerns raised about Brooke George’s treatment in custody
George was detained during the early hours of June 22 and has subsequently been charged with premeditated murder.
However, Detained in Dubai has raised allegations about her treatment since her arrest.
The campaign group claims George was made to remove her clothing in front of male police officers when no female officer was present. It described the alleged experience as ‘deeply humiliating and distressing.’
It has also alleged that George was asked to provide statements without a lawyer and was initially denied access to British consular representatives.
Stirling said the circumstances of the case have prompted broader questions about the UAE’s approach to domestic violence allegations.
“The case raises serious concerns about violence against women, the right to self-defence, due process and the treatment of British nationals detained overseas,” she said.
Detained in Dubai has called for George to be granted bail while the investigation is underway.
It is also asking for her to receive legal assistance, appropriate medical treatment, protection and immediate support from British consular officials.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed to ITV that officials are providing assistance.
“We are in touch with a British woman detained in the UAE, we are supporting her family, and we are in contact with the local authorities.”
Campaigners question circumstances surrounding Dubai trip
Detained in Dubai believes investigators should examine a number of issues beyond the fatal incident itself.
Stirling said George’s relatives and friends had become increasingly concerned that she might have been brought to Dubai under false pretenses.
She highlighted what she called an unexplained change in Treeby’s behavior following George’s arrival, as well as claims that he had kept her passport and that George had told friends ‘things weren’t right.’
The group also cited a one-way plane ticket and a professional bikini photoshoot organized during George’s first trip as details that reportedly worried her loved ones.
Stirling said authorities should investigate whether George may have been subjected to violence and possible exploitation.
“We are calling for Brooke to be released on bail pending the outcome of the investigation,” she said.
“The UAE has a well-documented history of criminalising and revictimising women who report violence.”
Dubai authorities have not publicly addressed the campaign group’s allegations, while criminal proceedings in the case are continuing.
Why Brooke George could face execution by firing squad
Premeditated murder can be punishable by death under the laws of the United Arab Emirates.
Detained in Dubai has warned that George could consequently face execution by firing squad if found guilty.
The former John Lewis employee has gained approximately 100,000 followers on TikTok. She denies intentionally killing Treeby and continues to maintain that she acted in self-defense following an alleged violent assault.
If the death penalty is not pursued or imposed, George could nevertheless receive a life sentence if she is convicted.
Campaigners are now pressing UAE authorities to thoroughly investigate her claim of self-defense and the accompanying allegations of domestic abuse.
British officials, meanwhile, say they remain in communication with local authorities and are continuing to assist George and her family.
Mom’s desperate plea
George’s mother, Thereza George, previously revealed she had noticed a significant difference in her daughter’s behavior shortly before the fatal incident.
“After Brooke returned to Dubai for the second time, the dynamic between them had clearly changed,” she said.
“The day before the incident, she did not seem like herself. She was quieter and not her usual happy, cheerful self, but she did not tell me why.
“That evening they went to a bar in Dubai. When I spoke to Brooke right after the incident, she was absolutely terrified.
“I have never seen my daughter so frightened in my life. She was crying uncontrollably. I could see that one of her eyes was badly swollen and was beginning to close.”
Thereza said she continues to have serious concerns about her daughter’s welfare.
“The daughter I spoke to that night was utterly terrified,” she added.
“I firmly believe she was desperately trying to get home and away from whatever had happened to her.”
Related Article: Influencer, 23, Facing Firing Squad Death Penalty In Dubai
Related Article: Boy Who Told Court His Mom Killed His Sister When He Was 7 Speaks Out As An Adult 17 Years Later
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