Former policeman loses appeal in Dubai kidnapping-rape case

Man to remain imprisoned for life for kidnapping a Japanese tourist and raping her

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Dubai: A former policeman failed to win his acquittal and will remain imprisoned for life for kidnapping a Japanese holidaymaker and raping her while she went on a tour in Hatta.

The Dubai Appeal Court on Sunday rejected the 25-year-old Emirati man, S.B.'s, appeal and upheld his life sentence.

S.B. pleaded not guilty and refuted the 24-year-old Japanese tourist's kidnap and rape claims. Meanwhile, his lawyers asked court to acquit him of kidnap and rape or to modify the charges to consensual sex.

"The court rejected the appellant's appeal and confirmed the primary judgment [a life sentence]," said Presiding Judge Eisa Al Sharif upon pronouncing yesterday's judgment in courtroom 20.

Senior Chief Prosecutor Sami Al Shamsi, Head of Bur Dubai Prosecution, asked for the toughest punishment applicable. He earlier said: "The UAE is a haven of security and safety and home to tourists from all over the world due to its tourist facilities and shopping malls. Tourists are also called on to take all precautions in dealing with strangers to ensure their safety."

Prosecutors accused S.B. of kidnapping with deception 24-year-old M.F. when he lured her into his car and offered to take her to tourist sites in Hatta.

Then he drove off to a deserted area and stopped his vehicle in an uninhabited location where he raped her by force.

Prosecutors earlier flew the woman from Japan and took her statement because the defendant denied the charges from beginning.

During the trial the defendant claimed that the tourist initiated the sexual activity while he showed her around the dams in Hatta Valley.

"She stopped me in the middle of the road. She asked me to drive her to the Heritage Village. Then she jumped into the front seat. She carried a tourist guidebook… she came beside me and hugged me then took a photo for both of us. Then she kissed me on my cheek. When we went back to the car she continued…" said the accused.

M.F. told prosecutors that she took a public bus to visit Hatta Heritage Village. The defendant offered to drive her around then he raped her.

M.F. reported the incident to the Japanese Consulate, who in turn informed the police.

Investigations led to the arrest of S.B. based on M.F.'s description.

Sunday's judgment remains subject to appeal before the Cassation Court within 30 days.

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