Bill Browder on Ryan Cornelius's 17-Year Ordeal in Dubai Prison

The Case of Ryan Cornelius

• 💡 Ryan Cornelius, a British citizen and former real estate developer, has been imprisoned in Dubai since 2008, facing charges of fraud and money laundering.
• 🎯 He was arrested after securing a $500 million loan from Dubai Islamic Bank for a property development, which was later put into default while he was in jail.
• 🔑 The case is described as trumped-up, with the UN ruling that Cornelius was held in conditions equating to torture and did not receive a fair trial.

Legal and Political Ramifications

• ⚖️ Cornelius was initially sentenced to 10 years, but a new law extended his sentence to 20 years, keeping him imprisoned beyond the age of 70.
• 🌍 The UN special rapporteur on arbitrary detention has called for his immediate release and reparations from Dubai.
• ✊ Over 40 members of the UK Parliament are demanding sanctions against Dubai Islamic Bank officials involved in holding Cornelius.

British Government's Response

• 📉 Sir Bill Browder criticizes the British government for its inaction and perceived hopelessness in securing the release of British citizens abroad.
• 🏥 Cornelius has suffered from untreated tuberculosis and deteriorating health, with prison conditions described as extremely harsh, including 24-hour lights and thin mattresses.
• ✈️ Due to the UK government's passivity, efforts are now being made to seek assistance from the Irish government, as Cornelius also holds Irish citizenship.

Calls for Action and Sanctions

• 💰 Browder advocates for the UK to use its Magnitsky Act to freeze assets and ban travel for human rights violators, specifically targeting Dubai Islamic Bank officials.
• 🗣️ He urges Prime Minister Keir Starmer to meet with Cornelius's family and publicly commit to securing his release.
• 💔 The prolonged detention has caused immense suffering to Cornelius and his family, with his youngest child now in their 30s, having missed his entire childhood.