MELBOURNE property identity Matt Joyce is entering his third month in detention in Dubai, without charge.
Joyce’s Australian based lawyer Martin Amad told Australian Property Journal yesterday that Joyce has been moved out of solitary confinement where he was held for two months.
“He has been moved out of solitary confinement and into the general prison population,” Amad said.
But Amad said his client remains in detention without charge.
He said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is assisting to expedite the process. Last month, Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith expressed concerns over the state and conditions of Joyce’s solitary detention, whilst former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer also said he will make representations to local Dubai authorities.
Joyce was jailed on January 25 along with another Australian Marc Lee, pending an investigation into allegations of bribery of $DH43 million.
A DFAT spokesperson told Australian Property Journal that both men are pursuing applications for bail.
“The most recent bail hearing was held on 2 April, when bail was denied. It is expected that they will next appear before the courts in 30 days. Charges have not yet been laid against the men but investigations are ongoing.
“Consular officers from the Australian-Consulate Generalin Dubai have visited the men regularly, and are in close contact with their lawyers and families. They most recently visited the men in prison on 31 March,” DFAT told Australian Property Journal.
DFAT said the Australian Government has raised the case with UAE officials during consular talks with as recently as March 31 and senior officials have also raised the case in a meeting with the UAE Ambassador on March 18.
“The Australian Ambassador in Abu Dhabi has raised the case with senior officials on two separate meetings (on 4 and 15 March),” DFAT said. However, the Department added, there is a limit to what the Australian Government can do.
Dubai authorities are investigating transactions in the form of consultancy payments made by Gold Coast developer, Sunland which is partly owned by James Packer — to Nakheel, the Dubai Government owned property development company.
Nakheel recently pulled out of its bid for Sydney’s Barangaroo development.
Yesterday Amad said his client is innocent and he is hopeful Joyce will not be charged.
Earlier last month Amad said Joyce’s Dubai based lawyers have provided the authority with documents and materials which vindicate that the transactions are lawful.
“But the Dubai authorities appear to have difficulty understanding this right now and we hope they will realise that the transactions are innocent.
“He has not been charged and has been held under unusual circumstances,” he added.
Under the UAE Criminal Procedures Code, prosecutors must determine whether they can charge or release a suspect within 24 hours, however if investigations remain “pending” – suspects be detained up to 21 days without charge, according to the United States Department of State’s report on Human Rights Practices.
In cases of crimes punishable by imprisonment, authorities can apply to the Courts for additional detention terms. And the Courts can continually renew the detainment period by 30 days – indefinitely and without charge.
The US Department of State Human Rights Practices report claims some detainees were jailed for up to six months and later released without charge or compensation.
Australian Property Journal
