Norwegian Woman Rape Victim Receives 16 Month Jail Time in Dubai, Travelers Warned

Marte Deborah Dalelv, a Norwegian national, couldn't believe her fate. She had been raped against her will while on a business trip to Dubai, and yet she had been slapped by a 16-month jail time just because she had the guts to report the incident to the local police.

"Are you sure you called the police because you just didn't like it?" CNN quoted Ms Dalelv, a 24-year-old interior designer.

"Well of course I didn't like it," was her reply to the police. The way she was interrogated and the way the question was posed, "that is when I knew, I don't think they are going to believe me at all."

The alleged rape was done by a co-worker after a night out with colleagues in March.

Admitting that she had asked the male colleague to walk her to her room, she maintained it was only that she can get back to her room safe and sound. She said she found the hotel large and confusing.

When they reached a room, despite drank, she knew it wasn't her room. She said she voiced out her objections but the male colleague had pulled her inside.

"He dragged me by my purse in, so I thought, 'OK, I just need to calm the situation down. I will finish my bottle of water, I will sit here and then I will excuse myself and say I feel fine,'" she said.

The next thing she knew, she woke up without clothes on.

"I woke up with my clothes off, sleeping on my belly, and he was raping me. I tried to get off, I tried to get him off, but he pushed me back down."

The alleged rape got cut when the hotel wake-up call person knocked. It was then she got dressed, went to the hotel reception and called the authorities.

"I called the police. That is what you do. We are trained on that from when we are very young," she said.

Later, around 12 male police officers arrived. Statements were then taken from both accuser and the accused alleged rapist. Afterwards, Ms Dalelv was taken to Bur Dubai police station.

At the station, Ms Dalelv said local police confiscated her passport. Not only that they also seized her money. Four days later, she was charged with having extramarital sex, drinking alcohol, and perjury.

Convicted on Tuesday last week, Ms Dalelv is appealing her case.

"I am very nervous and tense. But I hope for the best and I take one day at a time. I just have to get through this," she told the AFP news agency. "I should have been imprisoned since Tuesday," she said.

"But I have been told they are not searching for me."

Ms Dalelv has been living under the protection of the Norwegian Seamans' Centre in Dubai. The Norwegian government was able to secure Ms Dalelv's conditional release.

Australians Warned

According to Australia's Smart Traveller Web site, victims of sexual assault can face charges when in the UAE.

"It is possible that victims of sexual assault may be charged by UAE authorities for engaging in sex outside of marriage and be dealt with according to the criminal law. There have been cases in the UAE where sexual assault victims have been imprisoned after reporting an incident to local police or upon seeking medical assistance. Sexual assault victims should contact the Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate-General in Dubai, or the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra, as quickly as possible to obtain relevant information on these issues and guidance on what support services may be available. Consular officers cannot provide legal or medical advice but can provide lists of English-speaking service providers who may be able to assist you in this process."

A list of what not to do while in Dubai, according to News Limited:

Drinking: Drinking or being drunk in public is not tolerated. Legal drinking age is 21. Only allowed drinking is when inside a hotel.

Public displays of affection: Holding hands and kissing with your partner could lead to arrest and imprisonment.

Sex outside marriage: Sex between people who are not married is illegal. Can lead to severe criminal sanctions.

Homosexuality: Homosexual acts are illegal. Subject to severe punishment.

Swearing: Swearing and making rude gestures, such as the middle finger, are considered criminal acts in the UAE.

Swimwear: Swimsuits should be modest. Nudity at beaches is illegal. Should only be worn at the beach.

Smoking: Strictly prohibited in a shopping mall, government building or shop.

Clothing: No tight, transparent and above the knee clothing for women. Apparel showing her stomach, shoulders or back are also taboo. Men should wear T-shirts at all times. Short shorts attract the wrong kind of attention.

Photos: It is illegal to take pictures of people, especially women, without their permission.

Ramadan: During this season, it is illegal for non-Muslims to eat, drink or smoke in public in front of Muslims between sunrise and sunset.