UAE | Crime
Transvestites caught in public will be arrested, says Dubai police chief
Police will arrest transvestites if they are caught in public as part of a five-day campaign to crack down on them, the Dubai Police Chief announced on Sunday.
- By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:02 May 26, 2008
Dubai: Police will arrest transvestites if they are caught in public as part of a five-day campaign to crack down on them, the Dubai Police Chief announced on Sunday.
Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim said transvestites have been seen of late in public places, including shopping malls. This does not adhere to UAE society's traditions and social values.
He said Dubai Police aim to protect society and stressed on the danger posed by transvestites.
"Dubai Police have made up their mind to tackle this problem strictly. Any man who dresses up and behaves like a woman in public or vice versa will be legally questioned and legal action will be taken against him," Dahi said.
He said the campaign under the slogan "Our social values are precious.. let's protect them", targets those who do not respect social values and behave like the opposite sex. The suspect will be charged with public indecency and behaving like a man or woman. Dahi called on the Social Affairs Ministry to study the problem and find out the actual reasons behind the increase in transvestites.
"I think studying in a mixed environment is the reason behind the increase in this problem. However, there must be a study to find out the actual factors behind the problem," he said.
He pointed out that it has also been noticed that crimes spreads in this environment, which does not respect values because anyone who does not care about their honour, does not care about anything. He said any religion or faith in the world sees going against laws of nature as a problem.
Dahi also issued directives to all police departments and police stations to intensify campaigns in shopping malls and markets to prevent harassment by both genders and to curb transvestites.
Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Dubai Police's Deputy Commandant General, said the CID monitors such people and cracks down on them. Friday sermons will also highlight the dangers of the issue.
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