The former wife of a member of Dubai's ruling family, Zeynab Javadli, fears arrest after her ex-husband, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum, alleged she kidnapped their three daughters. Since their 2019 divorce, Javadli has been embroiled in a contentious custody battle with Sheikh Saeed.
The conflict escalated recently, with both parents accusing each other of kidnapping. Javadli modified her approach, even livestreaming her plea for help when she felt threatened. I genuinely believed that it was my last chance, so I just opened a livestream and called for help, Javadli stated in a video message.
Currently, Javadli and her children remain at home, where they have reportedly been isolated following a chaotic custody exchange. Though she had previous custody arrangements brokered with Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recent court decisions have shifted custody back to her ex-husband.
The dangers of speaking out plague Javadli, who may face arrest for her public statements. The police remain tight-lipped, but determining factors such as previous arrangements and her and her children's welfare are under scrutiny. This case reopens discussions on women's rights in the UAE and highlights the challenges mothers face in custody battles, particularly against powerful ex-partners.
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