Sarah Balabagan

HER CASE IN THE UAE

She grew up in the , 1995 a second, Islamic court, found no evidence of rape and convicted her of premeditated murder, sentencing her to Death by a firing squad. There was an international outcry and a defence campaign in several countries, as her case was seen as symbolising the ill-treatment of domestic servants in the Persian Gulf countries, and just a few months earlier there had been the rather similar case of Flor Contemplación , a Filipina domestic servant who was hanged in Singapore .

Reportedly, it was only after a personal appeal for mercy by the President of the UAE 1996 to a Heroine 's welcome.

FILM VERSION

In 1997 her story was made into a film, ''The Sarah Balabagan Story''. It was made in the Philippines , directed by Joel Lamangan , and starred Vina Morales in the title role. Balabagan was offered the chance to play herself, but declined. The government of the Philippines made several attempts to prevent the film from being shown, because it might damage relations with the United Arab Emirates , and its release was delayed for several months. (It was made in the Tagalog Language , it is not clear whether there is an English subtitled or dubbed version available.)

LATER LIFE

Shortly after her release she embarked on a career as a Singer . She also appeared on a television programme with Geri Halliwell . In 1998 she became a single parent after a brief relationship with a broadcasting Journalist . In August 2003 she announced her Engagement to Russell Vergara.

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