True Crime Law Student Imprisoned For 25 Years In Dubai – It Is Excessive?

True crime fascinates many people, so when they heard about a law student from the UK who landed a 25-year prison sentence in Dubai for possessing cocaine, it sparked much debate. Was it a fair sentence compared to what the outcome might have been in the USA? Read on to find out what folks think.

The Arrest Of Mia 

The Discern Report explained that Mia O’Brien, (23), studies law at Liverpool University. Or, at least, she used to. The authorities who found 50g of cocaine in her room where she stayed with a friend last October, sentenced her to 25 years. Plus she has to pay a hefty fine. So, the chances of her resuming her studies seem slight right now.

According to her mom, Mia O’Brien never did drugs. Additionally, the trial, all “in Arabic,” wasn’t understandable. So, Mia heard the bad news about her sentence from her own “lawyer.”

When @bigmoufmedia2 shared the news on Instagram, people from across the world were able to comment on the true crime story. The also mentioned the harsh prison conditions in Dubai. They cited:

She is reportedly sharing a cell with six other inmates and must sleep on a mattress on the floor. There are virtually no staff available to attend to inmates’ needs—she must bang on a heavy door when she needs assistance…[And] r**e is an ‘every day occurrence.”‘

Public Discuss The Sentence & More

Plenty of folks felt skeptical that Mia O’Brien never did drugs. After all, who tells their mother? However, others felt that it was some sort of setup. But, a lot of people decided it was the student’s own fault. She should be aware of the laws of countries she visited, especially as she studied law.

One commenter wrote, “thats a hefty punishment, but you have to adhere to the laws of the land youre in and respect what they value. thats why I’ll continue to enjoy the good ‘ol USA, we have 50 different states to visit in a lifetime, thats plenty to see.”

Was The Sentence Too Harsh?

Several people started debating about the 25-year term in prison and whether possessing 50g of cocaine constituted trafficking. They noted that 50g can be viewed as a federal offense. One of them opined, “That much coke in the states would get you 25+.”

And another person wrote, “In New York: 50g can mean Class A-II felony trafficking—possible life sentence. So don’t know why people are complaining about Dubai, you go to jail in America too.”

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Is that correct? Notably, the true crime report didn’t say her arrest involved crack, which carries harsher penalties stateside. According to Lornsby Law firm, a Class A trafficking offense can be defined if they possess more than 50 grams. The website explained:

Under federal law, the crime of trafficking in 5 kilograms or more of powder cocaine mixture…is a Class A felony, punishable by ten years to life in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and up to ten million dollars in fines.

So, it seems that the prison time might certainly be viewed as excessive in the USA. However, as so many people pointed out, those who visit other countries need to be aware that different penalties apply overseas.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to come back here often for all your true crime news and updates.