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Johannesburg - Two Dutch women arrested in the "orange dress ambush marketing" saga are considering taking legal action against FIFA and the SA Police Force, their lawyers said on Friday.
"Our investigations show that there have been some seemingly serious violations of the human rights of these women on both Monday after the match and Wednesday when they were arrested," said legal firm Bowman Gilfillan in a statement.
"We are continuing with our investigations and interviews, and in addition to our preparation of defences to the criminal action, the ladies are considering laying complaints with the appropriate authorities against both FIFA and the police."
The two women, Barbara Castelein and Mirte Nieuwpoort, were held on Monday after stripping down to orange mini-dresses during a match between Denmark and the Netherlands, allegedly to market the Dutch brewery, Bavaria.
Started as a nice trip
They were arrested and appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday on charges related to the SA Merchandise Marks Act.
FIFA accused them of having been sent by Bavaria to orchestrate an ambush marketing campaign as the brewery was not an official World Cup sponsor.
"What has started as a nice trip to the World Cup turned into an international fight about ambush marketing and we were held and interrogated for four hours in freezing conditions after the game," the two women said in a statement issued by Bowman Gilfillan.
"Two days later we were taken from our bed on Wednesday morning and were told that we have been accused of acting like criminals in the Soccer City stadium.
"You really do not understand what is happening, especially when the FIFA officials keep telling you that there is a six month jail (sentence) hanging over your head. The first days we were really in a shock.
"We were told not to run because we would get shot!"
Support from friends
Bavaria hired the "best lawyers" they could find, Bowman Gilfillan, prompting the pair to be more optimistic about their fate.
"... We get lots of phone calls and support from friends and family and the world simply looks better now. We really believe in the good outcome (sic).
"We think this will all be over soon, can you imagine really going to jail for wearing an orange dress? What about all supporters in shirts with brand names? Are they taken to prison as well?"
Bowman Gilfillan said it had a team of lawyers specialising in ambush marketing, trademark, criminal and constitutional law who were consulting with the two women.
FIFA had declined to comment further on the matter, saying it was being handled by police.
Police were not immediately available for comment.
Castelein and Nieuwpoort, whose passports were taken away, were out on R10 000 bail each and were due back in court on Tuesday.
"Our investigations show that there have been some seemingly serious violations of the human rights of these women on both Monday after the match and Wednesday when they were arrested," said legal firm Bowman Gilfillan in a statement.
"We are continuing with our investigations and interviews, and in addition to our preparation of defences to the criminal action, the ladies are considering laying complaints with the appropriate authorities against both FIFA and the police."
The two women, Barbara Castelein and Mirte Nieuwpoort, were held on Monday after stripping down to orange mini-dresses during a match between Denmark and the Netherlands, allegedly to market the Dutch brewery, Bavaria.
Started as a nice trip
They were arrested and appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday on charges related to the SA Merchandise Marks Act.
FIFA accused them of having been sent by Bavaria to orchestrate an ambush marketing campaign as the brewery was not an official World Cup sponsor.
"What has started as a nice trip to the World Cup turned into an international fight about ambush marketing and we were held and interrogated for four hours in freezing conditions after the game," the two women said in a statement issued by Bowman Gilfillan.
"Two days later we were taken from our bed on Wednesday morning and were told that we have been accused of acting like criminals in the Soccer City stadium.
"You really do not understand what is happening, especially when the FIFA officials keep telling you that there is a six month jail (sentence) hanging over your head. The first days we were really in a shock.
"We were told not to run because we would get shot!"
Support from friends
Bavaria hired the "best lawyers" they could find, Bowman Gilfillan, prompting the pair to be more optimistic about their fate.
"... We get lots of phone calls and support from friends and family and the world simply looks better now. We really believe in the good outcome (sic).
"We think this will all be over soon, can you imagine really going to jail for wearing an orange dress? What about all supporters in shirts with brand names? Are they taken to prison as well?"
Bowman Gilfillan said it had a team of lawyers specialising in ambush marketing, trademark, criminal and constitutional law who were consulting with the two women.
FIFA had declined to comment further on the matter, saying it was being handled by police.
Police were not immediately available for comment.
Castelein and Nieuwpoort, whose passports were taken away, were out on R10 000 bail each and were due back in court on Tuesday.
