Dubai police have kidnapped the ex-wife of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, nephew of Dubai's ruler, along with her three daughters. The victim, Zeynab Javadli, is a former Azerbaijani national gymnast.
Her lawyer, British solicitor David Haigh, reported that all contact with his client and the children has been lost. He last spoke to Zeynab a day before the incident. Dubai police and security forces allegedly raided her home at night and took them away.
Zeynab's mother traveled to Dubai to support her daughter but found the house locked and was denied exit from the country. The incident follows a long-standing custody dispute. A Dubai court had ordered two months ago that the children be handed over to their father, with enforcement if necessary.
Zeynab had earlier expressed fears in a video message that her children would be taken away. Lawyer Haigh stated that legal proceedings have been initiated within the UN framework, calling for international intervention. Dubai police and Sheikh Saeed's legal representatives have not yet issued an official statement.
