The US airman-turned-social media influencer and his brother, who were sentenced to jail in Dubai last month after claiming they were lured and drugged at a yacht party, were freed from prison on Tuesday, ending their four-month “nightmare.”
Joseph and Joshua Lopez arrived home in Ohio, as announced by Detained in Dubai, an organization dedicated to helping individuals facing legal issues in the United Arab Emirates.
“I am pleased to announce veteran Joseph Lopez and his brother, Joshua, have arrived safely in Ohio after a short Dubai vacation turned into a terrible nightmare,” Crisis Manager and CEO of Detained in Dubai, Radha Stirling, wrote in a statement.
Joseph Lopez expressed his relief as he landed at Los Angeles International Airport and shared his first moments of freedom.
In a separate post on Wednesday, the Air Force vet announced their release from prison and thanked everyone who supported their freedom.
He also shared his plans to share his experience with the world and shed light on the ordeal they went through in Dubai.
The Lopez brothers’ ordeal began when they traveled to the UAE to create content but ended up being drugged and detained after attending a yacht party.
Despite their innocence, they faced charges and were held in Dubai for a month before being released with the help of advocacy and legal support.
Their legal battle involved accusations of assault and damage to property, which they vehemently denied.
Detained in Dubai praised the efforts of Ohio Senator JD Vance for his role in ensuring the safe return of the Lopez brothers.
Vance’s intervention and support played a crucial role in resolving the legal issues faced by the brothers in Dubai.
The Lopez brothers’ case serves as a cautionary tale for tourists, highlighting the risks of being targeted and misled while traveling in foreign countries.
