Mia O’Brien, a 23-year-old British law student from Merseyside, England, is serving a life sentence in one of Dubai’s most notorious prisons after being convicted of drug offenses. She was arrested in October 2024 when police found 50 grams of cocaine in an apartment connected to her and two others. The British student was sentenced to 25 years in prison after a one-day court hearing, a sentence her mother described as the result of a “very stupid mistake.”
O’Brien’s mother, Danielle McKenna, said her daughter pleaded not guilty and felt the trial was unfair as it was conducted entirely in Arabic without her understanding. Mia was informed of her sentence later by her lawyer. She described her daughter as devastated but strong, enduring what she called a “living hell” in Dubai.
Mia is currently held at Al-Awir Prison, known as Dubai’s “Alcatraz.” This prison has faced widespread criticism for its horrific conditions, including overcrowding, violence, and documented cases of torture. Former inmates described brutal treatment such as electrocution with cattle prods and beatings reportedly inflicted as “sport.” Sexual abuse and rape are said to be common, with many prisoners suffering neglect and denial of essential medicine.
Mia shares her cell with six others, sleeps on a mattress on the floor, and often feels extremely frightened due to violence and lack of staff. Prisoners must request permission for every phone call, which can be denied as punishment. Drinking tap water is discouraged due to unsafe conditions, and freezing temperatures at night make it difficult to rest.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is providing consular support but warns that the UAE enforces zero tolerance for drug offenses, with severe punishments including life imprisonment or death for trafficking.
As Mia prepares to appeal her long sentence, her case highlights the harsh realities of the UAE’s legal and prison systems—especially for foreign nationals caught up in strict drug laws. Many have called for greater oversight and reform, but conditions remain harsh and unforgiving.
