Israeli Man Wrongfully Detained in Dubai for Nine Days

An Israeli man was detained in Dubai for nine days due to a case of mistaken identity, as local authorities mistakenly believed he owed money to a car rental company. The individual, who has not been publicly identified, was traveling from Tel Aviv to Cambodia with a layover in Abu Dhabi when he was arrested upon arrival. Authorities cited a match between his name and date of birth with that of another Israeli who had outstanding debts. Despite the man’s insistence that he had never visited Dubai before, he was taken into custody and transferred to Dubai for questioning.

YnetNewsTimes of Israel

The wrongful detention only came to light after nine days, when authorities acknowledged their error and released him. They also offered to cover the cost of a new flight to Cambodia. The man is now contemplating a lawsuit for negligence against the relevant authorities. His attorney, Mordechai Tzivin, criticized the Israeli Foreign Ministry and the consulate in Dubai for their inadequate response, stating they "completely failed in the substantive and technical treatment of the Israeli." Tzivin noted that the consul only visited the detainee on the last day of his imprisonment, contrary to standard procedures that require prompt visits to detainees.

Times of Israel

Tzivin expressed frustration over the ineffectiveness of appeals for assistance from various Israeli officials, including Knesset members and ministers. He remarked that such interventions often complicate matters and add to the distress of families involved. He emphasized that, despite the challenges, he remained confident in the fairness of Dubai's legal system, stating, “I was not worried... I was confident that, in the end, it would be found to be a case of mistaken identity.”

YnetNews

Upon confirming the mistake, Dubai authorities issued an apology to the detained man. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic support for Israeli citizens abroad, particularly in cases of wrongful detention. The man’s experience highlights the potential pitfalls of mistaken identity in international travel and the importance of prompt and effective consular assistance.

YnetNews

• “The ministry did not make a satisfactory effort to help the local police and to prove… that there was a mistake in identity,” — Mordechai Tzivin, Attorney

Times of Israel

• “I was confident that, in the end, it would be found to be a case of mistaken identity and he would be released.” — Mordechai Tzivin, Attorney

YnetNews

This incident underscores the complexities of international travel and the critical need for effective diplomatic support in ensuring the rights and safety of citizens abroad.

YnetNews