The family of a British father detained in Dubai say they fear for his life after receiving handwritten notes allegedly smuggled out of prison describing violence, abuse and horrific conditions.
Ryan Pepper, 27, from Ashford in Kent, has reportedly been held in a Dubai detention facility since November 2025.
According to human rights group Detained in Dubai, Pepper travelled to the UAE on holiday but stayed after reportedly finding work as a travel agent. His family says they still do not know exactly why he was arrested.
Family feared Pepper had died
For months, Pepper’s loved ones had no contact with him.
His sister Chloe told Metro the silence became increasingly frightening.
“At first we were trying to stay positive, but then Ryan started telling us people had been beaten, isolated, threatened and denied communication. He sounded terrified.”
The family says they did not hear from Pepper until May 13, which is around seven months after his reported arrest.
“We genuinely began fearing he was going to die in there,” Chloe said.
The case has reportedly been raised with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture.
According to Detained in Dubai, British officials have also struggled to secure private access to Pepper while he remains in custody.
Notes describe alleged abuse
Pepper is said to have smuggled handwritten notes out of the detention centre, describing the facility as “hell.”
In one message, he claimed prisoners were denied phone calls and subjected to violence.
According to the notes, inmates had been “kidnapped and robbed” and that “everyone was beaten up.”
Another note reportedly claims Pepper is sharing a cell with nearly 20 detainees and was “beaten up for 19 days straight.”
His family has also made disturbing claims about injuries they say he suffered while in detention.
Speaking to The Sun, Chloe alleged Pepper had four teeth forcibly removed.
“Something needs to be done asap – he has had four teeth pulled out.”
“He’s missing his front teeth and he said the things that happened to him were inhumane.”
She added:
“It happened during the torture. Pulled out with pliers!”
According to the family, Pepper has not appeared in court and still does not understand why he is being held.
In another alleged note, he wrote:
“I’m being unlawfully held with no sign of Court, judgement and no case updates.”
He also urged relatives not to travel to the UAE to visit him.
“Don’t come to the UAE to visit. Visitation is once a week for only 5 mins behind a glass wall, it’s pointless.”
He continued:
“Make sure no one from the family try to come here for a visit, this place is hell.”
Human rights group speaks out
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, said Pepper’s case reflects wider concerns involving British detainees in the UAE.
“The Foreign Office continues relying on reassurances obtained in environments where detainees may be terrified to speak honestly,” Stirling said.
She argued British nationals may face serious risks if detained.
“British nationals are increasingly vulnerable in the UAE and the British government is not responding with the urgency these cases require.”
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed officials are supporting Pepper and remain in contact with his family and UAE authorities.
“We are supporting a British man who has been detained in the UAE,” the spokesperson said.
“We are in contact with his family and continue to raise the case directly with the local authorities in the UAE.”
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