Man who faced 'several years' in a Dubai jail for sending a ninja emoji is FREE and returning home
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An Irish man who was facing 'several years' in a Dubai jail over emojis he texted a acquaintance has finally been freed following a campaign for his release. Stuart Quiney, 39, was reportedly flying back to Ireland this morning after the decision was granted, following several months spent in custody in the UAE.
![[Stuart is now facing several years in prison thanks to his emoji use]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/03/15/92747753-14153061-image-a-130_1733240750011.jpg)
'It’s amazing that I’ll be home for Christmas,' he told human rights advocate Radha Stirling before boarding today. 'All down to yourself and helping me get this outcome... best Christmas present ever.'. The property renovator had drunkenly texted 'some emojis of ninja man and blood drop' to a Belgian he claimed had entered his flat and taken his things.
![[He is now not allowed to leave the UAE]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/03/15/92747759-14153061-image-a-131_1733240756659.jpg)
He had been charged under the UAE's strict Cybercrime laws, taken into custody immediately after returning from Ireland in September. Stuart spent months in custody and faced a lengthy spell in prison, even after apologising and stressing complicating factors he said made him act out of character.
![[Stuart sent these emojis to his Belgian associate, which was used as evidence for the alleged threat]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/03/16/92748539-14153061-image-a-155_1733241652303.jpg)
Stuart Quiney travelled to the UAE in September and is currently staying with a friend while subject to a travel ban. Stuart, of Laragh, Co Wicklow, Ireland, had sent the texts while in Ireland, but was detained after arriving back in Dubai in September.
He explained how he travelled to Dubai in January 2022 to help a friend set up his new life in the country. There, he was introduced to a Belgian resident, who also helped his friend settle into the new apartment. Stuart stayed with his friend in the Dubai residence for a couple of months through the Irish winter.
