Couple arrested in UAE for sex outside wedlock 'released'

The couple was arrested on January 29 after Nohai sought treatment for stomach cramps.

By AP

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(Representational image)
(Representational image)

Published: Sat 11 Mar 2017, 6:57 PM

Last updated: Mon 15 May 2023, 10:23 AM

South African man and his pregnant Ukrainian fiancee will not face charges in the United Arab Emirates following their arrest for having sex outside of marriage, a South African newspaper reported on Friday.

Charges against Emlyn Culverwell and fiancee Iryna Nohai were dropped in Abu Dhabi, The Herald reported. It quoted the South African's mother, Linda Culverwell, as saying her son telephoned to say he and Nohai, who were released on Wednesday on bail, would not be prosecuted.


"Emlyn was excited and relieved to see Iryna" after their release, Linda Culverwell said, according to the newspaper.

The couple was arrested on January 29 after Nohai sought treatment for stomach cramps and a doctor informed authorities that she was pregnant, South African media reported.


Officials have not spoken publicly about the case, however a court official told Khaleej Times on Thursday that the couple were still on trial.

The couple works at a waterpark in Abu Dhabi and has been living in the UAE for years. Their employer, Yas Waterworld, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


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