A TikTok influencer is facing a possible death sentence in Dubai after being charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a man she was reportedly in a relationship with.
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Brooke George, 23, has been charged over the death of a man she allegedly met online while living in the United Arab Emirates.
A human rights organization claims the British influencer could face death by firing squad if convicted.
Influencer Faces Death Penalty in Dubai Murder Case
Supporters of George claim she acted in self-defense after allegedly being attacked by her partner.
Advocacy group Detained in Dubai has called for her release on bail. In addition, the organization has urged authorities to investigate the case as one involving alleged domestic violence.
George was arrested in the early hours of June 22 and charged with premeditated murder.
The 23-year-old had previously described her first trip to Dubai as "the time of my life."
However, during a second visit to the city, the relationship allegedly became abusive.
Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, said George's partner became "increasingly controlling and abusive."
Family Raises Concerns Over Arrest
According to Stirling, George attempted to leave Dubai after her partner allegedly punched her. As well as confiscating her passport, and assaulted her inside their apartment.
"[She] feared for her life and, reaching for a kitchen knife within her grasp, acted in self defence," Stirling added.
George's mother, Thereza, said she noticed a significant change in her daughter's behavior during the second trip to Dubai. She then became increasingly concerned for her safety.
"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," Thereza said, via BBC.
"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."
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said it is supporting a British woman detained in the UAE and is in contact with her family.
Detained in Dubai also alleged that George was denied access to British consular officials and was required to make statements without legal representation.
The organization has called for George to receive "protection, appropriate medical care, legal representation and immediate British consular assistance while the investigation proceeds."
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.
Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline for free, confidential support available 24/7.
