Without legal representation whatsoever, two Singaporeans were each sentenced to a year in jail in Abu Dhabi for the offence of “impersonation” of women. It is believed that the man and the trans woman were unaware of the strict laws in the United Arab Emirates against cross-dressing, transgenderism and homosexuality.
The friends and family of 26-year-old Muhammad Fadli Bin Abdul Rahman and 37-year-old Nur Qistina Fitriah Ibrahim have been working hard to bring them back home safe and sound. The two did not have any lawyers representing them when they were charged and sentenced, but a fundraising campaign has been established to help ensure proper legal representation when they appeal the ruling come Sept 4.
A Facebook group called Free Fad and Fifi has been set up by Vanessa Ho — project director at Project X, a sex workers’ rights advocacy group — to update everyone about the efforts. According to Fadli’s sister, a trustworthy lawyer has been engaged to aid the efforts.
But a significant amount of money will be needed to pay for the lawyer’s services, so a goal of SGD25,000 has been set to cover the costs. A POSB bank account was opened this morning for the purpose of gathering donations from the public.
So far, the campaign has seen an encouraging response. As of 3:25pm, over SGD8,000 has been raised. Ho also provided an update from a phone call with Fadli — he had been arrested on grounds that he was wearing a tie and ear rings.
Local YouTube personalities Munah and Hirzi have also called out for the duo’s release:
Everyone retweet this until our Brother and Sister are free! @VivianBala @MFAsg your move now! Be the government you promised us you’d be! pic.twitter.com/PXu5r5HODW
— MunahHirziOfficial (@MunahAndHirzi) August 23, 2017
