Dubai officials have dropped the case against Marte Deborah Dalelv, a 24-year-old Norwegian interior designer, who was sentenced to 16 months in prison after she reported that she was raped.
"I am very, very happy," Dalelv told The Associated Press on Sunday. "I am overjoyed."
Dalev, who works in Qatar, said she was sexually assaulted by a co-worker while on a buisness trip to Dubai. She was then charged with having sex outside marriage, drinking alcohol, and perjury. Her case sparked outrage from international rights' groups and activists.
In Norway, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide posted a Twitter message: "Marte is released! Thanks to everyone who signed up to help."
Marte is released! Thanks to everyone who signed up to help #ReleaseMarte
Espen Barth Eide
@EspenBarthEide
Marte is released! Thanks to everyone who signed up to help #ReleaseMarte
I warmly welcome that Marte Dalelv was pardoned by the Ruler of Dubai today. The fight for human rights for all continues.
Espen Barth Eide
@EspenBarthEide
I warmly welcome that Marte Dalelv was pardoned by the Ruler of Dubai today. The fight for human rights for all continues.