Women attacked in underpasses

Some of the new pedestrian underpasses are unsafe - with at least two women being molested while using one of them, a resident said.

"The new underpasses in Abu Dhabi would have been a boon for pedestrians, but for the presence of perverted, frustrated antisocial people. It is at least so at the underpass in Khalidiyah, opposite the Jumbo showroom," a resident said. At least two women he knew had been molested when they were using the underpass, he said.

"Women and children cannot - and should not use these underpasses unless they are escorted by men," he said. He called on the authorities to take suitable preventive action.

Another resident complained youngsters were using these underpasses for in-line skating and were disturbing, and in some cases, injuring pedestrians.

Colonel Mattar Hamad Al Muhairi, director of the capital's Police Directorate, said Abu Dhabi police had zero tolerance for any illegal or immoral act committed in these underpasses.

He warned those who misused underpasses and said they were meant to help pedestrians cross roads safely. They were not meant to be a place where youngsters can play, peddlers sell their goods or for people to sleep. Offenders would face the full force of the law, Col Al Muhairi said.

"We have received no complaints from the public over any harassment or disturbance at underpasses over the past nine months.

"Police patrols have also confirmed there have been no problems that would cause concern to residents. Based on reports from police stations, we can assure the public the underpasses in Abu Dhabi are safe and secure for pedestrians."

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