French Boy’s Rape: Victim Testifies

A 15-year-old Swiss-French boy, allegedly kidnapped and raped by three Emirati men, testified on the third day of hearing at the Dubai Criminal Courts, presided over by Judge Fahmi Mounir Fahmi.

The hearing was held behind closed doors upon request of the plaintiff's lawyer, Hussain Jaziri, due to the sensitivity of the case.

The court also heard the testimonies of two witnesses about the alleged rape which took place in the desert on July 14 after Alexandre Robert was allegedly kidnapped.

French national Fabrice K., 15, Alexandre's friend, who was also allegedly kidnapped by the three, and police officer Mahmoud A. also testified before the court.

Veronique Robert, the mother of the alleged victim, was also present.

Rokaz George of Al Bayan Advocates, the lawyer representing the two Emirati defendants in the case, Ebrahim K., 18, and 35-year-old Abu Bakr K., declined to comment on the case. The third defendant is being tried in a juvenile court.

In a statement to the press at Dubai Courts, Veronique said that she would like to help change the law which pertains to rape victims and child abuse in the UAE.

If found guilty, the accused could face a maximum of 10 years in jail under existing UAE law.

Dr Ahmad Bin Hazeem, Director General of Dubai Courts, welcomed the open speech by the victim's mother and stated that the courts are always open to critical commentary.

Speaking to XPRESS, Veronique stated that AIDS tests performed on her son so far were negative. As for the hepatitis test, it will take six months before the results can be confirmed.

"There is a two per cent chance that a serum conversion can happen. We will be sure by January if Alex is clear from AIDS," she concluded.