Dubai’s ruler pardons Norwegian woman who alleged rape

A court last week sentenced Dalelv to 16 months in prison.

A 24-year-old Norwegian woman,sentenced to prison after reporting that she was raped in Dubai,today said she had been given a pardon by the emirate’s ruler.

Qatar-based interior designer Marte Deborah Dalelv was on a business trip to Dubai in March when she alleged she was raped by a colleague at the hotel where she was staying.

She reported the attack to police,but found herself detained and charged with having unlawful sex,making a false statement and illegal consumption of alcohol. Her passport was confiscated and her money seized by police.

Story continues below this ad

A court last week sentenced Dalelv to 16 months in prison. Her alleged attacker received a 13-month sentence for extra-marital sex and alcohol consumption.

Amid a global outcry from rights groups demanding her release,Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum pardoned Dalelv.

Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide confirmed the news by tweeting, “Marte is released! Thanks to everyone who signed up to help.”

Dalelv has been staying at the Norwegian Seamen’s Church in Dubai since March.

Story continues below this ad

Norwegian authorities had agreed to pay for legal fees after she spent 55,000 Norwegian kronor (7,000 euros) on legal assistance,she said to local media,adding that her passport had been returned and she would leave the Gulf state “as soon as possible”.

Sources in the LJP (RV) said the names of the remaining 15 candidates would also be announced very soon.

Bihar polls: Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) announces first list of 14 candidates

India36 min ago

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) announced its first list of 14 candidates for the Bihar assembly polls, with its state unit chief Raju Tiwary and leader Hulas Pandey among the nominees. As per the seat-sharing arrangement, LJP (RV) will contest 29 seats, while BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each. The remaining 15 candidates will be announced soon.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS