Dubai Princess Sends SOS from Bathroom: "My Father Is Imprisoning Me... Trapped in a Prison Palace"

"One Wrong Move and You Might Never See the Sun Again... Every Move Monitored"
Attempted Escape to the U.S. in 2018, Caught Trying to Flee in 2016 as Well

A video sent by Princess Latifa, a member of the UAE royal family, to an acquaintance saying, "I am being detained. I worry about my safety and life every day." Photo by BBC.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Sheikha Latifa, the daughter of the ruler of Dubai, claimed that she is being held captive in a palace by her father and that her life is in danger.

In a video released on the 16th (local time) by major foreign media, Princess Latifa said, "I am currently trapped in a prison palace," adding, "More than five guards are watching me and threatening that if I make a mistake, I will never see the sun again."

Princess Latifa's father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the Vice President of the UAE and the supreme ruler of Dubai. He is also considered one of the wealthiest heads of state in the world. Latifa, 36 years old this year, is one of his more than 30 children.

Previously, in 2018, Princess Latifa attempted to escape to the United States, saying, "My father suppresses my freedom. I would rather live by grilling hamburger patties to make a living," but after being caught, she has not appeared in public. One of Sheikh Al Maktoum's wives, Haya bint Al Hussein, is also hiding in London, UK, to avoid him.

The video released by major foreign media is said to have been sent by Latifa's Finnish friend, Jauhiainen.

Jauhiainen accompanied Princess Latifa during her 2018 escape attempt via yacht through the Indian Ocean to the United States. He is urging the UN and human rights organizations to intervene, saying Latifa must be freed.

Princess Latifa filmed the video sitting in what appears to be a bathroom, speaking in a low voice. She explained the location as "the only place where I am not under surveillance."

Princess Latifa said, "I cannot receive medical help and I am locked up alone," and requested assistance.

Princess Latifa explained her failed escape attempt in 2018. She said, "Suddenly, more than 15 special forces members stormed the yacht. One of them tried to inject me with a syringe," adding, "I bit his arm and resisted fiercely, but several people held me down and injected me. I was then moved to a plane and lost consciousness."

Princess Latifa had also been caught during an escape attempt in 2016. She said, "My father monitors my every move. I live a life where the time and place I move, and even what I eat, are all under surveillance."

However, Sheikh Al Maktoum's side presented a different claim. They argue that Princess Latifa suffers from bipolar disorder and therefore needs protection. They maintain that she is being protected, not imprisoned, and that she is safe.

Nevertheless, public opinion sides with the daughter rather than the father. There are ongoing suspicions that Sheikh Al Maktoum suppresses the human rights of female family members, including Princess Latifa and Queen Haya.

Mary Robinson, a former UN human rights ambassador who described Princess Latifa as an "unstable young woman" after meeting her in 2018, now states that she was "terribly deceived" by the princess's family.

Robinson called for international action to verify Princess Latifa's current situation and whereabouts.

Major foreign media reported that Jauhiainen also handed over the video to the UN and others. Regarding the decision to release the princess's video message only now, Jauhiainen said, "It has been too long since contact was lost."

The UAE government did not respond to questions from major foreign media about Princess Latifa's current condition.

Sheikh Al Maktoum has taken measures to quell criticism regarding the suppression of women's rights. A representative example is his support for a women's leadership program led by Ivanka Trump, daughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Ivanka Trump expressed gratitude at a forum, saying, "Thank you for Sheikh Al Maktoum's generous support."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.