Norwegian woman pardoned after being jailed in Dubai for having extramarital sex after reporting rape

Norwegian native Marte Deborah Dalelv was asked by hotel staff if she was sure she wanted to go to the police to report an alleged rape from her coworker while she was in town for a business meeting. She thought she absolutely did, since that’s what women did in her country, but once she reported the incident she was jailed on charges of “having sex outside of marriage.”

Marte has been jailed since March, but her decision to talk to the media last week about her situation must have put some pressure on Dubai. Monday Marte was “pardoned” and told she was free to leave the country. “I am very, very happy,” Marte told The Associated Press. “I am overjoyed.”

It’s absolutely terrifying to know that you could be jailed for having sex outside marriage when you’re trying to report a rape. Thankfully Marte came forward with her story, and she will no doubt help prevent many others from ending up in similar situations.