Can you believe it? I am back in trouble with the Attorney General of Abu Dhabi. I was cleared of any wrong doing as we did not have the event as a charity, but as an Awareness Event. However, when I created this blog to guide those who wanted to donate used items to the shelters, or attend the event it would be a great place to follow. I did put charity in the title because I believe that charity is in the heart and giving to others in need is a charitable thing to do.
I had no idea that having the dinner event would cause such trouble. Who would've thought I'd get arrested for helping others? Well, I find out on Sunday how much the fine is and if I can not pay it I go to jail until it is paid.
If those of you who are concerned about helping with this, could send a notarized statement on my behalf to the court in Al Ain or the Attorney General of Abu Dhabi, that would be a blessing. If you would like to attend the court session, please contact me at 0501753853.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
CASE CLOSED!
Update on case. CLOSED!!! YIPPIE! Prosecutor in Al Ain has found nothing wrong with the way the event was handled and closed the case. It now goes to Abu Dhabi Attorney General for final signature. I'm so glad this is finished. It was a wonderful journey and learning experience. Everyone had a great time and was made aware of the shelters and volunteer opportunities here in UAE. So, A success!! Thanks for everyone's participation and donations and hopefully you are inspired to continue finding ways to volunteer or support the local charities. If you would like more information on how to volunteer/donate goods for the charities, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks so much for your continued support.
Thanks so much for your continued support.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Current situation with the Prosecutor's Office
As an update on what has happened since the event. I got into trouble. I wasn't allowed to call it a charity because I dont have a license. But, the magazine put charity event and put the shelters name and number on it.....weeeellllll. The very ppl I was trying to help, (EWAA' Arabic for shelter) opened a case against me with the Atty Gen. Yep. I had a warrant for my arrest. They told the police that I had a charity, raised money and used their name without permission and kept the proceeds. Yep. I spent 5hrs at the prosecutors office waiting to see if I was going to jail. But, the prosecutor and his captain worked really hard at helping me convince the AG that it was an awareness dinner and we were not allowed to hold the auction or sell anything or raise cash so everyone paid for their dinner.
I was fortunate that two sponsors came to the court to defend me. The people that donated bottled water and the ppl that donated the juices. So, now all the sponsors (Hospital, Pfizer, Al Ghadeer, Lacnor Juice co) all are meeting on Thursday to make a statement. Im not worried now.
But, scary that they held my passport until the case is over. I dont like not having it.
It was an incredible event. I had an opportunity to sit down at one point and look at the children playing with sponge bob/barney/jungle gym etc. and see ppl eating and dancing to the music. And all the toys/clothes etc that were donated. And I was so filled. The pic you see of me standing next to the banner was just after they opened it up and I immediately started crying. All the work and the ppl that came together made that sign possible and I would do it again in spite of the setbacks. I just know the laws and sensitivity of the subject here. Its not a popular thing to open your mouth about in these parts but someone's got to and seems that God chose me. So be it. Im up for the task.
Think that's it? Well, no. I also had the police called on me by my neighbors (who are also police). Their maid was slipping letters under my doormat saying she was being abused. So, I text her, her Philippine Embassy's number and a Welfare Officer that Im working with and her employer found out and called the police saying that I was interfering with her family. Apparently, a live in maid here has no rights outside the house.....so, the police just told me not to speak with them at anytime, but, if the maid runs away they will come to me. I guess to see if I helped her escape....I still worry about what they are doing to her but I can't do anything about it. So, seems I pretty popular with the courts now.....lol But, truly, in the end, good things are coming from it. And if I go to jail for helping ppl here, so be it. I'll just get my Embassy involved and make a big story of it shedding light on the human trafficking and abuse that is happening.
Geez, you must be tired by now. This was incredibly long winded.....hahaha
Michelle
I was fortunate that two sponsors came to the court to defend me. The people that donated bottled water and the ppl that donated the juices. So, now all the sponsors (Hospital, Pfizer, Al Ghadeer, Lacnor Juice co) all are meeting on Thursday to make a statement. Im not worried now.
But, scary that they held my passport until the case is over. I dont like not having it.
It was an incredible event. I had an opportunity to sit down at one point and look at the children playing with sponge bob/barney/jungle gym etc. and see ppl eating and dancing to the music. And all the toys/clothes etc that were donated. And I was so filled. The pic you see of me standing next to the banner was just after they opened it up and I immediately started crying. All the work and the ppl that came together made that sign possible and I would do it again in spite of the setbacks. I just know the laws and sensitivity of the subject here. Its not a popular thing to open your mouth about in these parts but someone's got to and seems that God chose me. So be it. Im up for the task.
Think that's it? Well, no. I also had the police called on me by my neighbors (who are also police). Their maid was slipping letters under my doormat saying she was being abused. So, I text her, her Philippine Embassy's number and a Welfare Officer that Im working with and her employer found out and called the police saying that I was interfering with her family. Apparently, a live in maid here has no rights outside the house.....so, the police just told me not to speak with them at anytime, but, if the maid runs away they will come to me. I guess to see if I helped her escape....I still worry about what they are doing to her but I can't do anything about it. So, seems I pretty popular with the courts now.....lol But, truly, in the end, good things are coming from it. And if I go to jail for helping ppl here, so be it. I'll just get my Embassy involved and make a big story of it shedding light on the human trafficking and abuse that is happening.
Geez, you must be tired by now. This was incredibly long winded.....hahaha
Michelle
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Need Advice
As most of you know, the event was successful in the way that the word got out about the women's and children's shelters here as well as other organizations that need your help. However, now I am having a meeting with a prosecutor to answer questions about trying to help tell women and men about the shelters offered here.
If anyone can help me with translation, legal support, please contact me at Aprils.flowers@yahoo.com. Thank you. Michelle
If anyone can help me with translation, legal support, please contact me at Aprils.flowers@yahoo.com. Thank you. Michelle
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