A British TikToker has been charged with murdering her online lover in Dubai and could face death by firing squad if convicted. Brooke George, 23, a former John Lewis shop assistant from Gravesend, is accused of stabbing William Treeby, 26, also from Kent, after flying to the United Arab Emirates to meet him.
Self-defense claim
George claims she acted in self-defense after being repeatedly abused by Treeby. According to Detained in Dubai, a pressure group supporting her, she reached for a kitchen knife during an attack. Her mother, Thereza George, said: 'I am deeply concerned for her welfare. The daughter I spoke to that night was utterly terrified. I firmly believe she was desperately trying to get home and away from whatever had happened to her.'
Arrest and detention
George was arrested as she tried to board a flight back to Britain and charged with premeditated murder. She is being held at Bur Dubai Police Station, where she has allegedly been forced to strip naked in front of male officers. Her family says she has been denied legal representation and cannot understand proceedings due to a language barrier.
Details of the incident
George met Treeby on Facebook and traveled to Dubai for a first visit described as positive. During a second visit, his behavior allegedly became 'controlling and abusive.' She claims he became intoxicated and assaulted her in Jumeirah Village. After arranging a flight home, she returned to the apartment to collect her passport and found her possessions scattered. She says she was punched hard in the face when she begged for her passport, grabbed a kitchen knife in self-defense, and stabbed him. She took her passport and tried to flee but was arrested at Dubai airport.
Family and advocacy response
Her mother said Brooke was 'absolutely terrified' after the stabbing, with a badly swollen eye. Stirling from Detained in Dubai called for 'protection, appropriate medical care, legal representation and immediate British consular assistance.' She added: 'Investigators must consider the possibility Brooke was a victim of serious violence, not just a suspect. Brooke maintains she acted in genuine fear for her safety after a violent assault. We will ensure her rights are protected and that she receives a fair trial.' Stirling also urged UAE authorities to investigate whether other women may have been victims of Treeby and warned about influencers being 'lured' to Dubai under false pretenses.
