Two British teachers jailed in Oman after 'trying to rescue dogs' left in 'scorching heat' by the owner
Two British teachers have been thrown behind bars in Oman after they were accused of stealing dogs.
For the past 12 days, Jennifer Green, 33, and an unidentified female friend have been held in prison over allegations of dog theft. The two, however, claim they were simply "trying to rescue abused animals" from a "cruel" owner, Daily Mail reports.
Green's brother Mike said he's been trying to fly to Oman to help his sister, while relatives are worried sick about what could happen to them.
Both women were working in Muscat as English language teachers for the British Council before they were apprehended by the authorities.
Mike, who hails from Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, said his sister and her friend were attempting to "save two mistreated dogs" who had been carelessly left out in "scorching" heat.
According to him, Omani authorities have imprisoned the women on "trumped up" charges including drunk driving "without evidence."
Speaking to The Sun, he said, "I'm worried sick. She's being locked up in prison for the last twelve days and, because it's Ramadan, nothing is happening."
According to the 35-year-old, one of his sisters told him authorities were trying to pressure the women into admitting crimes they hadn't committed.
Mike said they women were let go by authorities initially when they agreed to pay £4,000 ($5,116) to the dog's owner.
However, a judge called for further investigation into the incident after he assumed they were intoxicated when it happened.
"I'm really worried and so is the entire family," he said. "Initially, she was just brought to the police station but was let go. She phoned me when she was released and she didn't seem too bothered about it at the time but it has obviously escalated since then."
As of now, the British Council is currently in conversation with Omani officials to try and resolve the situation. Green has been in Oman for over a year now.
"We are aware of an incident in relation to two British teachers employed locally in Oman," a British Council spokesperson said. "We cannot discuss the details of an ongoing legal case and await the outcome of due process by the Omani authorities."
The Council is also talking to the British consulate over the case.
"We are providing support to two British women, and their families, following their arrest in Oman. We are in contact with the Omani authorities," a spokesperson for the Foreign Office added.