Man who disrespected religion during argument in Dubai jailed for three months

DUBAI // A man who was jailed for three months for disrespecting religion, assault and issuing insults during an argument must serve his prison sentence, Dubai Court of Appeal ruled.

On August 26 last year, an off-duty police officer reported two men whose bad language offended him.

The Emirati corporal was at a cafe in Oud Metha when he overheard the argument and felt insulted when one of the men disrespected religion.

“I became truly tense so I called and reported him to police,” said the 31-year-old.

Officers arrived and arrested the 27-year-old Palestinian who had been arguing with an employee at the cafe.

“Both insulted each other using bad language,” said a 27-year-old Egyptian friend of the Palestinian.

He denied charges of disrespecting religion, physical assault and issuing insults but was found guilty by Dubai Criminal Court and jailed.

The court’s verdict was upheld on appeal.

The Palestinian will be deported after completing his prison term.

tzriqat@thenational.ae