An Irish woman charged with attempted suicide in Dubai has said she is “so relieved” to be back home after the charges against her were dropped.
Tori Towey, 28, was charged with attempting suicide and alcohol consumption after she tried to take her own life following an alleged assault. She was prevented from leaving the United Arab Emirates and warned she faced prison.
Today, after diplomatic wrangling and the decision of the Dubai court to drop the charges, Ms Towey arrived into Dublin Airport for an emotional reunion with family and friends.
The Emirates cabin crew member told the media: “I’m just so relieved, I just can’t believe it.”
“I’m just so thankful and grateful to be back. Obviously, when my mother came out to me it was a massive help, but it was just the unknown and just not knowing anything, not knowing what’s going to happen.”
Ms Towey thanked politicians and the media for highlighting her case, and said Ireland was “an amazing country”. She also paid tribute to the support provided by the Detained in Dubai human rights group.
Tori Towey. Pic: Detained in Dubai
“I’m just so emotional,” she said, adding there were times when she feared she wouldn’t be able to return home.
“I didn’t know what was going to happen. It was only between yesterday and today that I got clarity [on what was happening] because I wasn’t getting any answers.
“I’m just glad to be back and I’m obviously so thankful as well to my amazing family and friends. They have been going through everything with me. They’ve been keeping me strong.”
Ms Towey revealed the last number of weeks have been “tiring mentally” for her “being stuck in the country”.
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The Roscommon native said she just wanted to “go home, and sleep, just sleep”.
“It was a nightmare, a real nightmare,” Ms Towey’s mother Caroline added. “It felt like we were hostage.”
Ms Towey’s mother Caroline said the ordeal was a ‘real nightmare’
Caroline expressed her “huge thanks to the country, to the politicians and the people, and the amazing work they’ve done”.
“We’re so thankful,” she said.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK