By JOSEPH CURTIS FOR MAIL ONLINE
Two British teachers are being held in a prison in Oman accused of stealing dogs
Jennifer Green, 33, and female friend claim they were rescuing abused animals
Her brother Mike, 35, said court has added ‘trumped up’ alcohol charges
Pair worked as English language teachers for the British Council in Muscat
Two British teachers have been locked up in a ‘hellhole’ jail in Oman after being accused of stealing dogs. Jennifer Green, 33, and a female friend have been held for the past 12 days but claim they were ‘trying to rescue abused animals’ from a ‘cruel’ owner.
Relatives say they are worried sick and Ms Green’s brother Mike said he has been trying to fly to Oman to help. The women were working as English Language teachers for the British Council – which promotes UK culture abroad – in Muscat before they were arrested.
Mr Green, of Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, said the women were trying to ‘save two mistreated dogs’ who had been left out in ‘scorching’ heat. He accused Omani officials of imprisoning them on ‘trumped up’ charges including drink driving and public intoxication ‘without evidence’. He told The Sun: ‘I’m worried sick.
She’s being locked up in prison for the last twelve days and because it’s Ramadan, nothing is happening.’ Mr Green, 35, who is currently in New Zealand on business, added one of his sister’s friends has told him the authorities are trying to pressure the women into admitting crimes they didn’t commit. He said they were initially released by police after agreeing to pay the dogs’ owner £4,000 but that when it went to court the judge called for a further investigation because he thought they had been drinking.
He added: ‘I’m really worried and so is the entire family. Initially she was just brought to the police station but was let go. ‘She phoned me when she was released and she didn’t seem too bothered about it at the time but it has obviously escalated since then.’ Ms Green has been in Oman for more than a year and it is understood the British Council has been in touch with Omani officials to try to resolve the situation.
A British Council spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of an incident in relation to two British teachers employed locally in Oman. ‘We cannot discuss the details of an ongoing legal case and await the outcome of due process by the Omani authorities.’It is understood the British Council has also been in touch with the British consulate over the case.
MailOnline has approached the Foreign Office for comment.
Source: Daily Mail Online