Dubai: Two Emirati men will each spend 15 years in prison for kidnapping and having sex with a 15-year-old French boy against his will, ruled a court on Wednesday.
The Dubai Court of First Instance sentenced the men - a 35-year-old Aids patient and his 18-year-old compatriot - and referred the victim's compensation claim of Dh15 million to a civil court.
Presiding Judge Fahmi Mounir pronounced the ruling in the absence of the accused. They refused to be brought to the court from prison.
Dubai Government spokesperson in this case, Dr Habib al Mulla of Dr Habib Al Mulla and Co Advocates and Legal Consultants, told Gulf News: “This judgement proves the position that we have continuously been making which is that we should leave the system to take its course.
"We hope that this judgement brings an end to this ordeal and proves to everyone that our judicial system is fair, efficient and works in protecting the interests of all UAE residents.''
The Public Prosecution charged the two men along with a 17-year-old teenager (prosecuted at Juvenile Court) with deceiving and kidnapping the 15-year-old boy and his 16-year-old compatriot.
They were also charged with forcefully undressing the 15-year old, threatening him with a knife, before having sex with him against his will.
Dubai's Attorney General Essam Eisa Al Humaidan told Gulf News said: “We will study the reasons that led the court to reach this ruling and will decide whether to appeal or not.''
