A Fife grandad who was arrested in Iraq over an unpaid bank loan has been released, according to a human rights organisation.
Brian Glendinning, 43, was facing two years in a Qatar prison after he was arrested at Basra Airport on September 12.
The Kincardine resident had attempted to enter the country after being contracted to work at a BP oil refinery in Iraq.
He was told that the nation of Qatar had issued an Interpol Red Notice for his arrest – something he was not aware of.
Family’s joy as grandad is freed
Brian’s brother, John said the family were left in tears after learning the news.
He said: “He’s in the hotel. I’ve seen a photo of him with a beer and I’m so happy he’s free.
“It was really emotional for the family – even our father teared up and he never cries.
“Kimberly [Brian’s partner], the children, they can breathe again.
“Now it’s just hours until they are together.”
The Fife grandad previously shared details of the rat and bug infested Baghdad holding cell he was forced to share with 40 others, including men accused of murder.
John said his brother had lived in “vile” conditions in the Iraqi prison.
He added: “Brian’s beard has grown. There was only a single communal shaver in the jail and he wasn’t going to use that.”
‘It was an emotional moment for his family’
Radha Stirling, founder of the Interpol and Extradition Reform (Ipex) initiative, said she was “thrilled” to announce the news.
“Mr Glendinning’s lawyer Tahseen Alchaabawi gave us the good news this morning,” Radha said.
“It was an emotional moment for his family and I couldn’t be happier for the Glendinnings.”
Radha said Mr Brian’s family are currently arranging flights and it is hoped he could be home as soon as Monday night or Wednesday.
However, she said Qatar had not confirmed if the Interpol red notice had been removed, so there could still be a risk that Brian could be arrested en route back to Scotland.
Lawsuit to be launched against Interpol
A class action lawsuit will now be launched against Interpol for what Ipex says is a “consistent and repetitive” abuse of power.
Radha said: “Iraq was furnished with evidence from Qatar National Bank last week to prove the extradition was over bank debt.
“Consumer debt does not meet the criteria for extradition, but it was highly likely Iraq would have succumbed to pressure from Qatar and handed him over, anyway.
“Brian is free due to a combination of lobbying and media efforts, negotiating and settling the debt with QNB and strong diplomatic representations.
“We are proud to have successfully resolved another case of Interpol abuse.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Development office confirmed it was providing consular support to Brian.
