Zeynab Javadli, the former wife of a nephew of the ruler of Dubai, has been taken into custody by authorities in the United Arab Emirates. The Dubai Public Prosecution confirmed the detention following a complaint filed by her former husband, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The detention marks a new development in a protracted legal dispute regarding the custody of their three children.
Sheikh Saeed has alleged that Javadli abducted the children during a court-approved visitation session. The couple has been locked in a high-profile custody battle for years, with both sides previously accusing the other of kidnapping the children as they were passed between parents. Javadli, a former international gymnast who represented Azerbaijan, had expressed intense fear regarding her safety in the months leading up to this event.
Friends and family of Javadli had reported losing contact with her since Tuesday night, prompting significant concern about her whereabouts and the safety of her children. For months, Javadli had limited her movements, fearing that security officials intended to seize her children and place her under arrest. Last year, she gained international attention after live-streaming a confrontation, during which she appealed for help, stating that she believed it was her final opportunity to remain with her children.
The legal representative for Javadli, British human rights lawyer David Haigh, has strongly advocated for her release. He has called upon the UAE government to grant Javadli immediate access to legal counsel, her consulate, and her family. The case has raised questions regarding legal proceedings in the UAE and the handling of high-profile custody disputes involving international figures.
Dubai Public Prosecution stated on Thursday evening that the matter remains under investigation and is subject to ongoing legal proceedings. The statement emphasized that the authorities would continue to take necessary legal measures in accordance with applicable laws, while prioritizing the children’s well-being and best interests. Previously, Javadli also faced potential arrest for e-crimes in the UAE, related to the online videos she shared during her custody showdowns. As the case proceeds, legal observers remain focused on the outcome of the hearings and the status of the children involved.
