The mother of a popular TikTok influencer currently facing the possibility of execution by firing squad in Dubai has shared the family’s anguish in a recent statement.
Brooke George’s mother, Thereza, is urgently seeking to intervene on behalf of her 23-year-old daughter, who is accused of fatally stabbing British national Bill Treeby, 26, at a residence in the UAE following their online acquaintance on Facebook. George, a former John Lewis employee with a substantial online following, traveled to Dubai to meet Treeby.
Expressing her distress, Thereza stated, “Our family is devastated by this overwhelming situation. Brooke is a compassionate and driven young woman who has always tackled life with vigor, believing in endless opportunities. Her resilience and caring nature are well-known among those who know her.”
Thereza has initiated a fundraising campaign on JustGiving with a target of £75,000 to assist in covering legal fees and travel expenses for supporting Brooke in Dubai. She emphasized, “We are reaching out for any form of support, no matter how small, to help us navigate the challenges ahead. Your generosity, kindness, and prayers are deeply appreciated.”
According to advocacy group Detained in Dubai, who is representing Brooke’s family, she acted in self-defense after enduring repeated assaults from Treeby. Reports reveal that Treeby faced drug charges and had a prior conviction for assaulting a woman.
Treeby, whose father was tragically killed in 2009, had a suspended prison sentence for previous offenses and was awaiting trial on drug-related charges. He was among several suspects apprehended by Kent Police’s County Lines and Gangs Team. George, hailing from Gravesend, Kent, is currently detained at Bur Dubai police station.
George described her initial stay in Dubai as enjoyable but claimed that during her second visit, Treeby mistreated her, leading to a physical altercation where she defended herself with a kitchen knife. Despite arranging to return home, she was arrested at Dubai International Airport.
Following her arrest, George alleged mistreatment, including being denied legal representation and compelled to undress in front of male officers. She remains without access to legal counsel or translation services.
Detained in Dubai CEO Radha Stirling expressed deep concern for Brooke’s situation, highlighting the lack of support and the severity of the charge she faces. Stirling noted the distressing trend of women being deceived into exploitative situations in Dubai.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed they are in contact with the detained British woman in the UAE.
