An Australian woman arrested in the United Arab Emirates for "writing bad words on social media" is being given consular assistance, DFAT says.
Jodi Magi, 39, was sentenced for a cyber crimes offence after reportedly posting a photo on Facebook of a car parked across two disabled spots outside her Abu Dhabi apartment.
Ms Magi appeared in an Abu Dhabi court on July 12 to pay a court-ordered fine and was taken into custody pending deportation to Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
"This is normal practice in Abu Dhabi," it said in a statement.
"Consular officials continue to make representations to local authorities on behalf of Ms Magi in an effort to expedite her departure."
The ABC reports Ms Magi was driven around in a car for about four hours after she was detained.
"No one is talking to me. No one is telling me what's going on," she said.
"They were about to put me in male lock up and then they turned me away. No one knows what to do with me. I'm pretty scared."
Ms Magi told ABC radio the Australian government only appeared interested in its trade relationship.
"I was under the impressions that embassies were in countries to help citizens in times of difficulty," she said.
The department said consular assistance had been provided since May 25 and officials were keeping in close touch with Ms Magi, her husband and her lawyer.
"Australians travelling overseas are subject to the laws of the country they are in, and consular officials can't prevent the detention of Australians or retrieve their passport if it is held by local authorities," it said.
"The Australian government's travel advice for the UAE warns that local laws that appear harsh by Australian standards nevertheless apply to Australian travellers or residents."
WA Premier Colin Barnett said the state government didn't need to step in as he was confident federal officials would assist Ms Magi.
"It's the most bizarre case but I'm sure she will be looked after by the Australian authorities there and will hopefully be released very quickly," Mr Barnett told reporters.
Share
