Dubai: A salesman has denied molesting a woman who was looking for a “decent” dress after security officers at Global Village told her that her outfit was too revealing.
The 31-year-old Filipina receptionist, who was wearing a short dress, was said to have been stopped at the entrance to the entertainment and shopping venue in November 2013. The 33-year-old Pakistani salesman, Z.H., is accused of groping her while he was measuring her for a dress.
“I did not molest her… I was measuring the dress on her figure when I mistakenly touched her,” said Z.H. when he entered a not guilty plea before the Dubai Court of First Instance on Sunday.
Z.H. asked presiding judge Mohammad Jamal to acquit him of what he described as “unfounded accusations.”
“I was wearing a very short dress when security at the entrance asked me to purchase a decent dress and cover up my legs. I entered the nearest shop and asked the salesman to sell me a dress.
"While he was taking measurements, I felt that his fingers touched my top. I did not pay much attention because I thought that it happened by mistake. Then he lowered the dress to the lower part of my body when I felt that he touched me indecently for the second time. Immediately I slapped his shoulder and scolded him,” the receptionist told prosecutors.
According to records, the woman reported the matter to the police.
The claimant’s Filipina friend said that the Pakistani smiled at them and claimed he did not do anything wrong.
Police officers at Global Village arrested the defendant immediately.
A ruling will be heard on March 11.
