This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-39208946

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Couple 'detained in UAE for sex outside marriage' Couple 'detained in UAE for sex outside marriage'
(about 1 hour later)
A South African man and his Ukrainian fiancee have been detained in the United Arab Emirates for unlawful sex, a relative says.A South African man and his Ukrainian fiancee have been detained in the United Arab Emirates for unlawful sex, a relative says.
Emlyn Culverwell‚ 29, and Iryna Nohai, 27, were reportedly arrested after a doctor discovered Ms Nohai, who had stomach cramps, was pregnant.Emlyn Culverwell‚ 29, and Iryna Nohai, 27, were reportedly arrested after a doctor discovered Ms Nohai, who had stomach cramps, was pregnant.
They were arrested for sex outside of marriage, which is illegal in the UAE.They were arrested for sex outside of marriage, which is illegal in the UAE.
Mr Culverwell's mother has pleaded for their release, saying "the only thing they did wrong was fall in love." Mr Culverwell's mother has pleaded for their release, saying "the only thing they did wrong was fall in love".
South Africa's foreign ministry has said that it is not able to help the couple as this is a matter of domestic UAE law, News24 reports.South Africa's foreign ministry has said that it is not able to help the couple as this is a matter of domestic UAE law, News24 reports.
The South African government has advised the couple to get legal assistance, the BBC's Pumza Fihlani in Johannesburg says.The South African government has advised the couple to get legal assistance, the BBC's Pumza Fihlani in Johannesburg says.
There was no immediate comment from the UAE government.There was no immediate comment from the UAE government.
Mr Culverwell and Ms Nohai have reportedly been held since January, but news of their detention has only emerged now.Mr Culverwell and Ms Nohai have reportedly been held since January, but news of their detention has only emerged now.
Mr Culverwell has been working in the UAE for the past five years.Mr Culverwell has been working in the UAE for the past five years.
His mother Linda told News24 that the family is "trying to get messages to the two to say we love them and that they shouldn't be worried".His mother Linda told News24 that the family is "trying to get messages to the two to say we love them and that they shouldn't be worried".
The couple have not yet been charged as the authorities are still carrying out tests, Mrs Culverwell added.The couple have not yet been charged as the authorities are still carrying out tests, Mrs Culverwell added.
If found guilty, they could face a long jail sentence.If found guilty, they could face a long jail sentence.