The ex-wife of a Dubai prince and her three children have allegedly been abducted by Emirati police during a surprise night raid, according to a British lawyer. The claim has raised concerns about the mysterious disappearance of 34-year-old Zeynab Javadli and her children. Javadli was previously married to 49-year-old Sheikh Saeed, who is a nephew of the Dubai ruler. The couple was in the midst of a contentious custody battle, and she had been ordered to hand over the children two months ago.
Lawyer's Account
David Haigh, Javadli's British lawyer, stated that he last spoke to her on Tuesday night, after which she vanished without a trace. He said authorities have provided no explanation regarding her whereabouts. Javadli's mother, who arrived in Dubai for a visit, found the house locked and empty. According to a BBC report, she has been in contact with the Dubai police and the consulate of Azerbaijan, Javadli's home country.
Custody Battle Background
The custody battle between the estranged couple has been ongoing, with the latest development being the ex-husband filing a complaint accusing Javadli of kidnapping their daughters. The children have already experienced multiple changes in custody arrangements. Javadli, a former international gymnast, now faces criminal charges in the UAE.
Who is Zeynab Javadli?
Javadli is an Azerbaijani former rhythmic gymnast. She has been facing potential arrest for online offenses after she livestreamed a visit by Dubai Police to her home. At that time, she said, "I knew that it was the last chance to be with my children as they would never let me see them again. I genuinely believed that it was my last chance, so I just opened a livestream and called for help."
This incident highlights the escalating tensions in the custody dispute and the legal challenges faced by Javadli in the UAE. The international community is closely watching the case as more details emerge.
