Facebook post sends man to prison without any charges

It adds that he faces up to one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 dirhams (£20,000).

The law, which was created a year ago, prohibits donations or advertising fundraising campaigns without prior written approval from the Islamic affairs and charitable activities department in Dubai.

Mr Richards’ mother, Penelope Haberfield, told the BBC that his wife is under extreme stress: “She can only take the clothes to him once a week”.

Police said the 42-year-old, who holds dual British and Australian citizenship, was arrested after using social media to promote a US-based crowd funding campaign.

Ms Stirling said he was unaware about the “bizarre” new charity laws and had most probably been turned in by someone who read his Facebook post.

“I don’t think [authorities] are going to let it go”.

Scott Richards, an economic development adviser from Adelaide, was arrested on 28 July and held for 22 days at Al Muraqqabat police station before being charged on Friday under a new law banning “fundraising without permission”.

Speaking to ABC, Mrs Haberfeld said her son had only been able to see his wife once a week and make limited phonecalls.

After being arrested, the police confirmed that Richards had used social media to encourage his followers to donate to the crowdfunding campaign run by a USA charity.

Lee Bradley Brown, a tourist from east London, died in custody after allegedly being beaten to death by police officers in 2011.

The Foreign Office said it was proving support to Mr Richards and his family.

But his desperate family has since called for his release.

The charity Zwan Family Charity said Mr Richards has never worked for them and is only a friend of a supporter based in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The charity is seeking $35,000 to provide “new tarpaulins, blankets, warm clothes and socks, and sleeping bags” to protect refugees against the upcoming Afghan winter at the Charahi Qambar refugee camp.