Richard Lau's release appears imminent as Malaysian Foreign Minister Intervenes in Case.

Malaysia and the UAE are reported to be 'working together' to bring about a resolution to the case of Richard Lau, who has been detained in Dubai since April last year.

On Wednesday, Malaysian Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, met with Ras Al Khaimah Emir Sheikh Saud Sadr Al Qasimi to request the release of Lau on bail while he waits for his court hearing. In response, officials in Ras Al Khaimah declared their intention to resolve the case as quickly as possible.

Shortly following his meeting with the Emirati authorities, Anifah visited Richard Lau in prison to inform him of developments and of the UAE's willingness to release him on bail.

A civil engineer, Richard Lau has been held without charge in the UAE for 10 months on suspicion of embezzling money meant for wages whilst working as a project coordinator for a subsidiary of a Malaysian maritime transport company based in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

In April of last year, Lau was reportedly detained by Emirati authorities after the partner of the subsidiary he was working for accused him of embezzling salaries from the company.

Lau has consistently maintained his innocence in the face of these allegations. According to NGO Detained in Dubai, who have been providing legal assistance to Lau, the civil engineer's release now appears to be "imminent" after the Malaysian minister's recent intervention. Detained in Dubai have long mantained that since Lau's detention last year prosecutors have been unable to find any substantial evidence to back up the claims made by his former employer.

CEO of Detained in Dubai, Rahda Stirling, said of the case:

“Richard has been detained without charge for over ten months, precisely because there is no evidence to justify his detention. This should be disturbing to anyone considering visiting or investing in Ras Al Khaimah.”

Though, commenting on case developments since the intervention of the Malaysian Foreign Minister, Stirling said she was encouraged by the “positive” response shown by the Emirati authorities regarding their willingness to find a speedy resolution to the matter.

“We are extremely glad that the Malaysian government has been so proactive in this case, once it was brought to their attention through concerted campaigning by Richard’s family and our organisation.”

The Ras Al Khaimah government having responded in such a positive way is very encouraging, and it shows again how imperative it is for cases like Richard’s to be brought to international attention.” 

For questions or comments please contact joe@icfuae.org.uk