Dubai: A visitor has been sentenced to one month in jail after he was caught begging in the Old Souq.
When the 54-year-old Pakistani visitor, B.M., appeared before the Dubai Misdemeanor Court, he pleaded guilty and confessed that he came to Dubai particularly to beg.
The accused will be deported following the completion of his jail term.
The Pakistani confessed that he came to Dubai especially to beg because he was in a destitute financial situation and needed money to support his family in his homeland.
According to the accusation sheet, prosecutors said the defendant violated the country’s laws and went begging despite the fact that he enjoys a good health.
When questioned by prosecutors, B.M. claimed that he begged in a souq but did not know its name or address.
“When the undercover police busted me begging, that was the first time that I begged. I was trying to beg money from passersby and people present in the shops. I used the money that I begged to buy food and beverages. I flew in to the UAE on July 9 via Dubai International Airport. Life became so difficult in my homeland and I have financial difficulties at home so I decided to come here and beg. When police questioned me, I was afraid and did not confess. I am guilty, but I have a clean criminal record… this was my first time,” the visitor claimed to prosecutors.
According to court records, the defendant told police interrogators that he came to Dubai for tourism.
“My visa was processed from Pakistan. I did not beg at all… but what happened is that I was walking in the old souq. I wanted some money to drink tea and so I asked one of the passersby some money so I could buy tea. Then police arrested me shortly after that,” M.B. was cited as telling police interrogators.
The primary judgement remains subject to appeal within 13 days.
