Dubai's government has sentenced Maurice Kevin O'Rourke, a 64-year-old Canadian man, to life in prison after he was caught during an airport layover with CBD oil used to treat chronic pain caused by Addison's disease.
"Kevin will not survive in their care. He is too fragile and at risk of infection and life threatening complications as a result of his disease," Radha Stirling,CEO of Detained in Dubai, a human rights organization, wrote in a statement on Detained in Dubai.
"We urge the Canadian government and particularly his MP, Peter Fonseca, to work with their counterparts in the UAE to help Kevin home. The last thing either country wants is a death in custody," the statement continued.
Breaking: Ontario man sentenced to LIFE in Dubai jail over meds needed for rare Addison's disease. Maurice Kevin O'Rourke was arrested when in transit through Dubai over medical use CBD/Cannabis. Family is calling on @PeterFonsecaMP, @melaniejoly & @JustinTrudeau to help pic.twitter.com/Zr78FYjyF3
— Radha Stirling (@RadhaStirling) November 27, 2024
Authorities at Dubai International Airport detained Kevin on July 3 after they found CBD oil, CBD and cannabis while he was traveling from Canada to Africa. He was arrested and on Oct. 31, sentenced to life in prison and ordered to pay more than $135,000.
"This is a man who has made a genuine mistake. Dubai needs to be sensible here. He was just in transit and did not intentionally put himself in harm's way. He is ill and in need of ongoing and constant medical care," the statement added. "From a human rights perspective, we hope the government of Dubai will understand and allow him to come home."
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