Abu Dhabi: An altercation involving a suspect and court police officers took place outside the Abu Dhabi Appeals court room today (Sunday) in the capital after an acquitted man’s case was delayed.
A Palestinian and a Dutchman initially charged and later acquitted of taking drugs were scheduled to appear before the Abu Dhabi Court of Appeals after the Public Prosecution asked that the acquittal be re-examined.
However, when only the Dutchman, his father and the Palestinian’s father attended the hearing, the judge postponed the hearing until December 21.
This prompted the Dutchman to argue with court police officers stating angrily that he had already served nine months in prison for no reason and that his passport is confiscated, forcing him to remain in the country for another month or so until his next appearance in court.
As more people joined the discussion, including the Dutchman’s father and his lawyer, the argument became heated. The lawyer finally told the Dutchman that these are the judge’s orders and that nothing can be done to change them.
The Dutchman then proceeded to attack the lawyer verbally, claiming that he did not do anything for the acquitted man. “I helped you get out of the Criminal Court and become acquitted. How can you say I did nothing?” the lawyer responded.
The Palestinian’s father claimed that his son had not known about the court session as no public announcement was made to that effect. The Palestinian’s father had only learnt about the hearing today after he had spoken to the first suspect’s father.
The next session will take place as scheduled.
