The story of Princess Latifa’s alleged kidnapping is being dramatized in a television series.
A four part series about the Dubai Royal Who is believed to have been kidnapped by her father Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum when she tried to escape him, and Dubai is expected to begin production in 2018.
Emmy-winning screenwriter Lindsay Shapero, who is working on the series, consulted with Latifa’s good friend Tiina Jauhiainen when developing the script.
In March 2018, the princess and Tiina managed to board the yacht Nostromo in an inflatable boat in international waters off the coast of Goa, India, while trying to flee to the United States.
However, they were forcibly returned to the UAE by Indian special forces and Emirati officers, who reportedly surrounded the yacht with helicopters and military boats.
The story of the alleged kidnapping of Princess Latifa (pictured) is being dramatized in a television series
A four-part series about the Queen of Dubai, who was allegedly kidnapped by her father Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (pictured) when she tried to escape him and Dubai in 2018, will begin production in 2024
The princess and Tiina managed to board the yacht Nostromo in international waters off the coast of Goa, India. Pictured: Image of a video at an undisclosed location in which Princess Latifa is seen on a cell phone camera in 2021
The drama series is being developed by Yellow Film and TV, with Irish and Finnish producers Jackie Larkin and Olli Haikka leading development.
Haikka told The Guardian: “The women were kidnapped, detained and interrogated, Tiina eventually deported from the UAE and Latifa held a prisoner in her own country.”
Larkin added: “It’s very complex legally, but as professionals we would obviously do the detailed investigation ourselves and – thanks to the Guardian – there have been some fantastic articles and reports on this case so far.”
Latifa fled Dubai in 2018 after recording a disturbing video revealing her troubled relationship with her father.
She was captured on a yacht off the coast of India and forcibly returned to Dubai, where she was “detained” and monitored 24 hours a day.
The story will describe her “death-defying escape attempt” which included hiding in the tire compartment of a car as it drove across the border.
It will also show the moment Latifa was found on board the yacht after it was stormed by “Indian special forces and Emirati officers who surrounded the princess and her friend with helicopters and military boats”, according to the showrunners.
The series also recounts the moment when UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson traveled to Dubai to meet Latifa after she tried to escape in 2018.
Robinson claimed after the meeting that the princess was “upset” – comments that drew her fierce criticism. She has since apologized, claiming she was “misled” by Latifa’s stepmother – a friend of hers – and said it was the “biggest mistake” she made in her role at the United Nations.
Larkin and Haikka said: “Robinson was led to believe that the princess was not a prisoner but was mentally ill.” The truth about Princess Latifa’s imprisonment was finally revealed when Tiina released secret video messages.
Princess Latifa (left) and Tiina Jauhiainen (right) at a secret location in February 2021
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with his two daughters Princess Latifa (left) and Princess Mariam (right) in 1999
In 2021, Latifa was seen alive in public for the first time since she claimed in a series of videos that she was being held hostage by her father.
In a video, she said she was being “held hostage” and described her stay as a “villa prison” where her every move was monitored by security guards working for her father.
She said: “This villa has been converted into a prison.” All the windows are closed.
“There are five police officers outside and two policewomen inside.” I can’t even go outside to get fresh air. So basically I’m a hostage.’
A Supreme Court concluded in 2020 that the sheikh had committed a “complete abuse of trust and even power”.
The sheikh denied his daughter’s claims and ordered the kidnapping of another daughter, Princess Shamsa, who was allegedly abducted outside a pub in Cambridgeshire in 2000.
Source link
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
