Page 58 – THE LOCAL REPORT ARTICLES

WATCH: Passengers raise hands as video shows man being dragged off Southwest flight after security scare

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March 8, 2026

WATCH: Passengers raise hands as video shows man being dragged off Southwest flight after security scare

A routine Southwest Airlines flight took a dramatic turn Friday night when the plane was reportedly forced to make an unscheduled stop in Atlanta due to a security threat, and the tense moment was captured on camera. According to the New York Post, a harrowing video circulating online shows passengers raising their hands in horror as police stormed into the cabin and forcibly removed a man from the plane after Southwest Airlines Flight 2094 was diverted from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale.According to reports, Southwest Airlines Flight 2094 was diverted from its original route to Florida and landed safely at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport at 9:06 p.m.In a video posted toSouthwest Airlines said in a statement that the plane was diverted in response to a “possible safety issue.”It’s unclear what the passenger did or said to warrant a diversion and safe response, and officials have not confirmed whether any hazardous materials were found on the plane, Fox Atlanta reported.The Atlanta Police Department did not release the identities of the detained passengers or say whether they will face charges.

Students showcase STEM projects at Amazon Think Big Science Carnival in Navi Mumbai

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March 7, 2026

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Students showcase STEM projects at Amazon Think Big Science Carnival in Navi Mumbai

The 7th Amazon Big Science Carnival was held on March 6 at the CIDCO Exhibition Center in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, where students from city schools came together to showcase science and technology-based solutions to real-world challenges.The program, powered by Amazon and implemented by Learning Links Foundation, engaged more than 12,000 students from schools run by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation over a period of five months. The initiative culminated in a grand finale with selected teams presenting working prototypes and ideas based on themes such as “STEM for Sustainability” and “Tech for Good”. According to organizers, the selection process involves multiple stages. Around 90 student teams presented their projects for the first time at the three-day mini science carnival, after which industry experts, government representatives and educators selected the top 20 teams to present their innovations in the finals.The carnival also features activities such as STEM quizzes and robotics competitions, designed to encourage participants’ analytical thinking, technical knowledge and teamwork.More than 2,500 students visited the event, which included interactive exhibits and hands-on learning sessions hosted by organizations including Amazon Future Engineer, SeadNXT, Museum of Solution, Pi Jam Foundation and Pluto Drone.Speaking at the event, Nikhil Pingle, COO of Learning Links Foundation, thanked Amazon for supporting the program and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation for its cooperation.Witnessing students present their ideas shows the importance of providing opportunities for young learners, he said. He also encouraged participants to stay curious and continue to use STEM to solve real-world problems.Anurag Khilnani, director of data center planning and delivery for Amazon Asia Pacific, said he was encouraged to see students transform ideas into practical solutions. He also acknowledged the role schools, teachers and program partners play in supporting student innovation.Organizers say the initiative aims to improve students’ scientific thinking and problem-solving skills while encouraging the use of technology to solve social and environmental problems.

ICE deports deaf children and families to Colombia without assistive devices: ‘Humans should stop them…’

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March 7, 2026

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ICE deports deaf children and families to Colombia without assistive devices: ‘Humans should stop them…’

A six-year-old deaf boy and his family were deported to Colombia after being detained during a routine immigration check san franciscoAccording to the Guardian. The move drew criticism from California officials and immigration advocates, who said the child was taken away without the assistive device he relied on to communicate.

The deportations prompted a call from California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. (Reuters/Representative)

The boy, his five-year-old brother and their mother, Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez, were detained Tuesday while reporting to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, a program that requires regular inspections, according to the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership.

The family was then deported to Colombia.

Advocates say the six-year-old deaf child uses a cochlear implant but does not receive the assistive devices he needs to help him communicate. A relative waiting outside the building tried unsuccessfully to pass on the devices, and immigration authorities detained the family.

Also read: Portland residents near ICE building win court order limiting agents’ use of tear gas

California officials urge students to return

The deportations prompted California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to call for the boy to be allowed to return so he could continue his education.

“No child should be removed from their home community and hidden in a detention center, especially a deaf child who is deprived of the ability to communicate and understand what is happening to them,” Thurmond said in a statement.

In a letter to federal authorities, Thurmond also emphasized that the student had been receiving specialized instruction designed for his language and learning needs. The boy communicates primarily through American Sign Language (ASL), and educators say exposure to this environment is critical to his development.

Lawyers raise humanitarian concerns

Immigration lawyer Nikolas De Bremaeker, managing attorney of the legal partnership representing the family, said the deportations raised serious humanitarian concerns.

“There are good humanitarian reasons why they should not be deported,” he said, according to The Guardian. “Whatever the circumstances of the deportation, humanity should prevent them from sending a six-year-old child into a life-threatening situation.”

Also read: Markwayne Mullin’s stance on immigration and ICE crackdown: When he defended Jonathan Ross in Renee Nicole shooting

The Gutierrez family’s legal team had difficulty determining where Gutierrez and her children were being held after their arrest, according to attorneys. Officials initially said the family could be transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana or Phoenix, Arizona, before they are eventually deported.

Concerns about education and communication

Gutierrez and her children arrived in the United States in 2022, and she filed for asylum the following year. Although a judge initially ordered her deported, she has been put into a supervision program that requires regular check-ins with immigration authorities.

teachers and school staff in california Said the boy had only recently begun to develop communication skills through American Sign Language and specialized educational support. They warned that losing these resources could affect his ability to continue learning and expressing himself.

T20 World Cup final: A father holds a quiet vigil as Abhishek Sharma prepares for his biggest night

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March 7, 2026

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T20 World Cup final: A father holds a quiet vigil as Abhishek Sharma prepares for his biggest night

Abhishek Sharma (right) talks to his father Rajkumar Sharma at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (Photo courtesy: Sahil Malhotra)

TimesofIndia.com in Ahmedabad: On Saturday, most eyes were on the Internet Abhishek Sharma India bats during practice on the eve of the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. Facing a combination of bowling specialists and bowlers, Abhishek batted for nearly 30 minutes, with batting coach Sitamshu Kotak and head coach keeping a close eye on Gautam Gambhir. Off-spin is the flavor, and there’s a lot of inside-out hitting that gets cleaner when he gets into the crease.

T20 World Cup Final: Greenstone Lobo predicts India vs New Zealand winner horoscope analysis

Abhishek’s father and childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, was stationed far away from the field but had the best vantage point to watch his son finish the game one last time before the big night. The father was unfazed and kept his neck stretched out in the direction where the ball was hit. Every sweet connection is met with a nod of approval. Unbeknownst to his son, his father, his biggest cheerleader, supporter and critic, was quietly present and offering support during the most difficult phase of his career.

Abhishek Sharma (left) walks back after meeting his father Rajkumar Sharma at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (Photo courtesy: Sahil Malhotra)

“I watched the net for a long time, everything will be fine tomorrow and the team will win the World Cup. (I saw his net after a long time. Everything will be fine tomorrow and the team will win the World Cup),” he quipped.“I’m sitting there,” he said, pointing to a hospitality box above, “but the real fun is watching the game from here. I watched his early cricket from near the boundary rope and it was fun,” the father added.Without his glasses, he couldn’t get as close a look at the proceedings as he’d hoped, but the sound of the gunfire was enough to put a smile on his face. When Abhishek finished batting, Coach Gambhir called him out and the two chatted for nearly twenty minutes. It was an energetic pep talk, highlighted by pointing fingers to different parts of the ground and lots of reassurance.

Abhishek Sharma (left) talks to Nets head coach Gautam Gambhir at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (Photo courtesy: Sahil Malhotra)

Father Rajkumar watched the conversation, and after it was over, netballers and onlookers besieged Abhishek, asking for selfies and autographs. He complied with everyone’s request and the father gave his son the space he needed and then walked towards him.“Please tell me I’m coming. (laugh) [Let me tell him that I am here],” he said.The father and son met and had a brief chat, mostly about cricket and batting, before more “Abhishek sir, Abhishek sir” requests punctuated the moment.Abhishek asked a support staff member to take his gear to the dressing room and the released southpaw made sure he signed every piece of paper that came through the security fence.

Abhishek Sharma talks to his father Rajkumar Sharma after the Indian team’s training session on the eve of the T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (Photo courtesy: Sahil Malhotra)

It was a tough match for the world number one as he was not at full strength yet and struggled with issues off the ball. The team had cracked his code and he scored his first run in the World Cup after three balls in the fourth over. A stomach infection that forced him to be hospitalized didn’t help, and getting back to a smooth lifestyle has been a struggle ever since. The batsmen who had beaten the opposition in the previous matches had become walking wickets for the opponents. All they need to do is field a non-spinner. Even a part-time job is fine.After scoring 89 points in eight games, the youngster needed a new guard and forget everything that had happened so far. For some hitters, it’s important to get two sweet hits before getting back to normal. Abhishek belongs to that school of batting technique and he doesn’t need to look back for too long for inspiration. Against Zimbabwe, the opener tried to spend time in midfield and while the lack of spin in the power play was helpful, his patience was rewarded.

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Do you think Abhishek Sharma will perform well in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand?

“two (Pray),” were the words the father used repeatedly as he met several greeters near the screen. He also had a brief interaction with International Cricket Federation president Jay Shah, who was at the Narendra Modi Stadium to inspect preparations for the mega finals with other officials from the global cricket body.As the team returned to the dressing room and the field was cleared for Sunday’s musical performance, father Rajkumar left the field and prayed that his son would return to dominance as he watched from the third-tier hospitality box.

‘Take this down’: Man attacked after tearing down Khamenei poster at New York City vigil; multiple detained — Watch Video

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March 7, 2026

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‘Take this down’: Man attacked after tearing down Khamenei poster at New York City vigil; multiple detained — Watch Video

A tense confrontation broke out in Manhattan’s Washington Square Park on Friday when a man who tried to tear down a poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a vigil was attacked by several people, prompting police to intervene and lead to multiple detentions.Video circulating online showed the man shouting “Take this down!” as he pulled down a large poster of Khamenei displayed at the rally. Within moments, several people rushed toward him, knocking him to the ground and punching him before New York Police Department (NYPD) officers intervened.Video from the scene showed the man with a bloody nose being detained along with others involved in the scuffle as police moved quickly to separate the crowd.

Why organize a vigil?

The vigil attended by about two dozen people was organized to mourn the death of Khamenei, who was reportedly killed last week in an Israeli airstrike targeting the Iranian leader.Tensions escalated when the man, Rami Even-Esh, confronted participants and removed a poster of the Iranian leader from a memorial display that included candles, flowers and Arab headscarves, according to witnesses.“He was a terrorist who killed American soldiers, and I thought it was crazy that I was there and there was a vigil, so I took the sign down,” Evan Esh told reporters as police escorted him away. “I feel like it’s the right thing to do. I feel like someone should stand up for the Iranian people.”Police said several people were detained after the altercation.The rally also drew a crowd of counter-protesters, some of whom waved American, Israeli and pre-1979 Iranian flags while chanting slogans such as “America” and “Death to terrorists,” live video showed.Witnesses said the clashes began after the man tried to remove an image of Khamenei displayed on a makeshift memorial table.Video of the incident shows the melee quickly escalating with one man punching and kicking the man before others joined in as the crowd chanted and moved forward.An Iranian immigrant who opposed the vigil criticized the demonstrations and support for the Iranian leader.“They just didn’t get the message,” she said. “My family is in Iran, and people there are fighting against the regime.”Organizers of the vigil described Khamenei’s death as an “assassination” and said he defended Iran and opposed Western influence.The chaotic scenes come amid rising tensions in the Middle East after a series of attacks on Iranian leaders and retaliatory attacks by Tehran escalated conflict in the region over the past week.

Uttarakhand: Amit Shah inaugurates ‘Nootan Nyaya Sanhita’ exhibition in Haridwar

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March 7, 2026

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Uttarakhand: Amit Shah inaugurates ‘Nootan Nyaya Sanhita’ exhibition in Haridwar

Haridwar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah The Uttarakhand government on Saturday organized a state-level exhibition on ‘Nootan Nyaya Sanhita’ at Bairaj Camp in Haridwar. The exhibition aims to spread awareness and highlight the effective implementation of the new criminal laws introduced by the Government of India, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).The exhibition is organized to familiarize citizens, advocates, police, prosecutors and other stakeholders with the modern criminal justice system. The key provisions of the new law are presented in a simple, visual and interactive format. These include mandatory time-bound investigation and filing of charge sheets, provision of zero FIRs and e-FIRs, mandatory forensic investigation for offenses punishable with imprisonment of more than seven years, admission of electronic and digital evidence, and stronger legal provisions for crimes against women and children.Notably, Uttarakhand ranks first in the country in terms of effective implementation of new laws like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The exhibition will remain open to the public until March 9.Earlier in the day, Shah also inaugurated a development exhibition at Bairaj Camp in Haridwar, showcasing the achievements of the Uttarakhand government. He visited various stalls and reviewed the exhibits highlighting the progress of the state.The exhibition is based on the development initiatives taken by the state government in the past four years under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Key efforts in infrastructure development, strengthening road connectivity, expansion of health services, education sector reform, investment promotion, tourism development, protection of religious and cultural heritage, and development of border areas were highlighted.As part of the exhibition, several important and historic decisions taken by the state government were also showcased.

Michelle Obama’s quote of the day: “If you don’t go out and define…”

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March 7, 2026

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Michelle Obama’s quote of the day: “If you don’t go out and define…”

as the world marks international women’s day March 8, a word from the former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama It continues to resonate: “If you don’t step out and define yourself, others will soon define you wrongly.”

Michelle's Becoming was published in 2018 and became one of the most successful memoirs in recent years. (Associated Press) — Michelle’s Becoming was published in 2018 and became one of the most successful memoirs in recent years. (Associated Press)

The quote comes from Obama’s best-selling 2018 memoir, “Becoming,” in which she reflected on the pressures of public life and the importance of having one’s own narrative. The book chronicles her journey from her childhood in Chicago to becoming one of the most recognizable public figures in the world.

This quote suggests that individuals, especially women navigating public and professional spaces, should clearly express their values and aspirations. By doing this, they can control their own narrative rather than letting stereotypes or external perceptions define them.

Also read: Barack Obama reveals why ‘Michelle divorced him’, netizens offer ‘a solution’

Memoirs

In “Becoming,” Obama discusses how public figures, especially women, often face assumptions and labels imposed by others.

“Becoming” was published in 2018 and became one of the most successful memoirs in recent years. The book blends personal stories with reflections on leadership, family life, and the challenges of being in the public eye. Readers responded strongly to its themes of ambition and self-discovery, and it has been translated into dozens of languages around the world.

Also read: AI reimagines 11 bold Gen Z ‘presidential’ looks of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama; the internet calls the photos ‘crazy’

More about Michelle

Michelle Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017 while her husband was president. barack obamathe 44th President of the United States. She was the first African-American woman to hold the position.

Born Michelle LaVaughn Robinson in Chicago in 1964, she studied sociology at Princeton University and earned a law degree from Harvard Law School. Before becoming First Lady, she worked as an attorney, public servant, and community outreach professional.

During his tenure in the White House, Obama launched numerous initiatives aimed at education, healthy living and support for military families. Her “Let’s Move!” ” For example, the campaign aims to combat childhood obesity by encouraging healthier lifestyles.

Delhi CM takes DTC bus to inspect Saheli pink smart card implementation

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March 7, 2026

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Delhi CM takes DTC bus to inspect Saheli pink smart card implementation

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta took a DTC bus on Saturday to interact with commuters and inspect the implementation of the Saheli Pink Smart Card initiative.Launched by President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, the smart card will allow women and transgender residents of the national capital to travel in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses for free.The card, which has replaced pink paper tickets, is expected to enable contactless travel, maintain digital journey records and increase transparency in revenue accounting.Gupta said, “This is an extremely convenient arrangement for mothers, sisters and daughters of Delhi. The card is produced for free at various centers in the city. Just register using your Aadhaar number and mobile number to avail free rides on DTC buses.”“I appeal to all women to make Saheli Pink National Mobility Card (NCMC) cards and make full use of this facility,” she said.During the journey, the chief minister bought himself a smart card and interacted with women traveling in the bus.The smart card scheme aims to provide seamless access to multiple public transport systems through a single card under the ‘One Nation, One Card’ scheme.While eligible people can travel on DTC and cluster buses free of charge, the card can also be used to travel on other public transport services such as the Delhi Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) for a fee.Each card is linked to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar and mobile number to verify age, gender and Delhi residence. PTI

Jeffrey Epstein guard Googled him 40 minutes before his death and deposited $5,000 in cash days before: DOJ documents show

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March 7, 2026

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Jeffrey Epstein guard Googled him 40 minutes before his death and deposited $5,000 in cash days before: DOJ documents show

Tova Noel, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s correctional officers at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, Googled the sexual predator minutes before he was found dead and set up a $5,000 cash deposit 10 days before Epstein committed suicide in his cell on Aug. 10, 2019, new Justice Department documents reveal.Noel is one of two Metropolitan Correctional Center staffers accused of falsifying records, saying they checked on Epstein throughout the night before he killed himself. The guards were fired, but criminal charges against the pair were later dropped, the New York Post reported.According to an FBI account of Noel’s internet search history that night, Noel Googled “update on Epstein in jail” at 5.42am and then again at 5:52am, less than 40 minutes before her colleague, corrections officer Michael Thomas, found the disgraced financier hanging in his cell at 6.30am.Prosecutors said Noel, 37, bought furniture online earlier in the shift and then dozed off at work instead of conducting mandatory checks on Epstein every 30 minutes while Thomas perused the motorcycle.The FBI highlighted the Internet searches in a 66-page forensic examination of the Bureau of Prisons’ desktop computers belonging to Noel and Thomas. This is the only highlighted search.“I don’t remember doing that,” she claimed, according to the transcript. She said the FBI records were “inaccurate. I don’t remember looking up him.”Noel also claimed to investigators that everyone at the Manhattan Federal Detention Center was not doing rounds and had falsified records.“I have never worked in a special housing unit where I was actually doing rounds every 30 minutes,” she told investigators.Separate DOJ documents show that Chase flagged cash deposits in Noel’s bank account in a “suspicious activity report” filed with the FBI in November 2019.The bank said it made a total of 12 deposits starting in April 2018, with the largest deposit of $5,000 made on July 30, 2019, records show.The documents only contain Noel’s bank records starting in December 2018. Documents show seven cash deposits totaling $11,880. Noel began working in the Special Housing Unit where Epstein was imprisoned on July 7, 2019, weeks before his death.Records show Noel was driving a 2019 Range Rover worth $62,000 and was not asked about the cash during his interview with the Justice Department.An internal FBI briefing also released in the DOJ document said the agency believed Noel was likely the mysterious orange object seen on grainy surveillance video near Epstein’s cell around 10:40 that night.“At approximately 10:40 p.m., a correctional officer believed to be Tova Noel moved linens or inmate clothing to Level L, the only entrance to the SHU level that correctional officers last had access to,” the agency wrote. Epstein apparently hanged himself with an orange strip of cloth.In a sworn statement, Noel, who worked two shifts that day, told investigators that the last time she saw Epstein alive was “around ten o’clock” and that she “never handed out linens” or clothing to prisoners as she had done so on previous shifts.The identity of the pixelated orange blob in the video has been a source of controversy and conspiracy since the FBI released the video last summer. The original 2023 inspector general report described it as an “unidentified correctional officer,” making recently released FBI documents the first time the mysterious shape has been publicly mentioned by name.She testified that she didn’t know why there were extra sheets in Epstein’s cell. She said another guard on duty slept between 10 p.m. and midnight.Staff said it would be a violation of policy for prison staff to enter Epstein’s cell area alone.Noel has since been indicted in Westchester County Supreme Court on charges that she was assaulted at her new job as a medical office assistant at the Einstein Senior Care Center in Montefiore.Noel’s attorney declined to comment. Asked in a sworn statement whether she had any role in Epstein’s death, Noel responded “no.”

Dubai: ‘Devastated’ mum speaks out as 25-year-old British coach Antonia Bettridge faces life in prison

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March 7, 2026

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Dubai: ‘Devastated’ mum speaks out as 25-year-old British coach Antonia Bettridge faces life in prison

Antonia Bettridge, 25, from St Helens, faces a possible life sentence in Dubai on drug charges. /Image: Echo

A British woman who worked as a personal trainer in Dubai has been detained in the United Arab Emirates on suspicion of drug offenses and could face life in prison, according to legal advisers assisting her family. Antonia Bettridge, 25, from St Helens, Merseyside, was detained under the UAE’s strict drug laws after authorities accused her of “possessing drugs with intent to distribute”. Under UAE legislation, the charge is punishable by life imprisonment and a fine of up to Dh200,000. News of her detention was first reported by liverpool echothe newspaper said Betteridge was believed to have been arrested early last month. The case attracted UK attention after her family spoke out through advocacy group Dubai Detention Center (DID).

Arrested in Dubai and could be sentenced to life in prison

Betteridge moved to Dubai in November 2023, initially working as a sports coach and later working in real estate while training as a personal trainer. Legal counsel said she was detained under UAE anti-drug laws on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to distribute.according to Detained in Dubaiauthorities in the United Arab Emirates do not necessarily require direct evidence that the drugs were intended for sale to pursue charges.

Those detained in Dubai warned that the charge alone could subject Antonia Betteridge to severe penalties under UAE law. /Image:X

The organization has been assisting foreigners facing legal difficulties in the UAE and wider Gulf region for sixteen years and says it has handled more than 20,000 cases. The group said the charge alone could expose the 25-year-old to severe penalties if convicted.

Mother speaks out through legal counsel

according to liverpool echo, Betteridge’s mother, whose name has not been released, said the family is trying to understand the situation and is deeply concerned for her daughter. She told Dubai Detention: “Antonia’s whole life has been around fitness and healthy living. She didn’t like the party lifestyle. She moved to Dubai to create something positive for herself. We are shocked and just trying to figure out what happened.”

Two months before moving to Dubai, Antonia Bettridge was given a community order for possessing £8,000 of criminal property. /Image:X

She also described difficulties communicating with her daughter while in detention. “With everything that’s going on in the area right now, it’s unbelievable to know that our daughter is in custody and we can’t get a hold of her. We were worried sick. We just want her to be safe and have a chance to prepare her defense. She is 25 years old. her whole future is in danger. “

Regional tensions fuel family worries

Radha Sterling, chief executive of Dubai Detention Centre, said the wider geopolitical situation in the Middle East was fueling anxiety among families with relatives detained in the region. She said: “When regional instability or security incidents occur, families will naturally be more concerned about their already vulnerable loved ones.” Sterling added that defendants should prepare their cases outside of custody whenever possible. “This reinforces why it is so important, where appropriate, to allow defendants to prepare their cases outside of custody. We hope that the FCDO will at least support her bail application while awaiting trial. “ The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it was aware of the case. A spokesperson said: “We are supporting a British woman detained in the UAE and are liaising with local authorities.”

Previously convicted in the UK

Court records show Betteridge appeared at Liverpool Crown Court in September 2023 and was found guilty of possessing criminal property after police found £8,000 in cash in her glovebox. The case stems from a traffic stop on December 22, 2021, when police stopped her vehicle after it exited the M62 towards Junction 9 at Winwick, Warrington. Betteridge initially told police she did not have any money with her. Police later found £610 in her handbag and thousands of pounds in the car. Investigators later confirmed she drove around 170 miles from her home in Greenfield Road, Dentons Green, along the M5 near Bristol to Gordano Services and then back north. After admitting possessing criminal property, Betteridge was given a 12-month community order including 75 hours of unpaid work, up to 30 days of rehabilitation activity and ordered to pay £1,200 in court costs. Two months later, in November 2023, she moved to Dubai.

Strict laws and previous cases involving Britons

Betteridge is not the first British citizen to face serious legal consequences under the UAE’s strict criminal laws. In the latest case, 24-year-old Mia O’Brien faces up to 25 years in prison after police said she was found with 50 grams of cocaine in Dubai. She was later granted a royal pardon in December, which her family described as a “Christmas miracle”. Another case involved British tourist Marcus Fakana, 19, who was jailed for having consensual sex with a 17-year-old during a visit to the country. Although the relationship involved two British nationals, local authorities prosecuted the case because sex outside of marriage is illegal in the UAE. Fakana was sentenced to one year in prison, then received a royal pardon and returned to England. He died in a traffic accident in October, three months after being released from prison. In a separate case, 63-year-old Albert Douglas spent four years in a Dubai jail after he was jailed in 2021 after checks bounced related to his son’s company, despite claiming he had no involvement in the business. He claimed he was beaten and starved while in detention. The United Nations later ruled that he had been detained arbitrarily and was allowed to return to the UK in December.

Travel warnings and ongoing regional tensions

The case also unfolds against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East. The Foreign Office has advised British nationals in the UAE to “stay indoors” and “away from windows” following recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Iran’s missile and drone strikes in the region have targeted locations in several Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, disrupting air travel and leading to widespread flight cancellations. Authorities urge residents and visitors to avoid areas near military or security installations, follow local government guidance and monitor official updates. However, the immediate concern for Betteridge and her family remains the legal case ahead – one that could determine whether the 25-year-old faces years in jail in Dubai.