Vacation in Dubai ends in drama: 24-year-old arrested!

Vacation in Dubai ends in drama: 24-year-old arrested!

A 24-year-old man from Metz, Ohan Villeneuve, has been stuck in Dubai for over a month and is unable to leave the country. Villeneuve, who had embarked on a two-week vacation with his mother, sister and stepfather, is at the center of an incident that turned out to be a nightmare. The story was made public by his stepfather, sports journalist Denis Balbir, after the incident had far-reaching consequences.

Villeneuve's troubles began on April 19 when he went to a public toilet due to stomach problems. The men's room was broken, so he went into the women's room. While trying to pull up his pants, his cell phone fell to the ground, alerting a neighboring woman. She suspected she was being filmed and called for help. Initially, security guards who were contacted by the family showed understanding for the predicament, but held Villeneuve's passport and recorded his details.

Legal disputes and arrest

Two days later, as Villeneuve and his family were ready to begin their return journey, he was arrested at the airport. The accusation: voyeurism after the woman in question filed a report. During his two days in police custody, the contents of his cell phone were examined but no suspicious recording was found. A medical certificate confirming his stomach problems led the woman to withdraw her complaint and Villeneuve was eventually released.

Despite his release, Villeneuve remains in an awkward position. He is not allowed to leave Dubai because the public prosecutor has imposed a travel restriction on him. The 24-year-old has to report to the police daily and is forced to stay in a hotel while his family has spent over €20,000 on canceled flights, accommodation and legal fees. This sum includes costs incurred since the incident that turned his vacation-related trip into a trauma, the reported Saarbrücken newspaper.

Political intervention and consular assistance

In order to improve their son's situation, the family has already contacted the French government. Especially those Liberation reports that the office of the French President Elysée has been involved in the case to examine options for assistance. The French Consulate in Dubai is actively involved in ensuring that Villeneuve receives the necessary consular protection during this critical time.

The family remains optimistic that the situation will soon improve, but the constant uncertainty and pressure from the ongoing legal processes are a great burden for everyone involved. While Villeneuve awaits clarification, his fate remains in the hands of the Dubai authorities.