DUBAI // A father accused of torturing and killing his 8-year-old daughter will appear in court tomorrow along with the lover who allegedly assisted him.
H?S, 29, who was living with his girlfriend, AM, 27, in a studio apartment in International City, is accused of torturing Wadeema and her 7-year-old sister, Mira. When Wadeema died of her injuries, she was wrapped in a cloth and buried in the Sharjah desert, prosecutors claim.
The defendants, both Emirati, are said to have locked the girls in the bathroom or the closet for hours without food or water.
Both girls were subjected to physical and psychological torture, the attorney general said. The bodies of the two were repeatedly burned with an iron and cigarettes. It is also alleged the father poured boiling water on the girls, and they were beaten with sticks, electric wires, iron bars and stunned with a taser gun,
Essam Al Humaidan, the Dubai attorney general, has announced he will seek the death penalty if HS is convicted.
Sources close to the case said the court may listen to the testimonies of witnesses tomorrow to avoid a long trial.
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
