Belgian court condemns Emirati princesses for trafficking in human beings
A tribunal in Brussels sentenced eight persons to suspended 15-month prison sentences and a €165,000 fine for trafficking in human beings and degrading treatment.
The case concerned 23 women employed by a company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and working for the princesses during their stay at the Conrad Hotel in Brussels. The investigation revealed that they did not have residence or work permits, were working for little or no remuneration, day and night, sleeping together in one room or on mattresses in front of the princesses’ rooms, and were not allowed to leave the hotel. The tribunal awarded the 23 women financial compensation for their emotional pain and suffering, but no material damages for their lost salaries.
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