ABU DHABI // The court-appointed lawyer for a man who called judicial procedures a “farce” on social media refused to attend the hearing on Monday.
Emirati N F, 27, an employee at a governmental entity, is accused of spreading false rumours and ideas on his personal Twitter account. He is also accused of referring to the 2012 sedition trial as a “judicial farce”.
N F publicly insulted royal family members on the account, it was said in court.
Judge Falah Al Hajeri asked N F’s father, who was present at court, to hire another lawyer as soon as possible in order to continue with the trial. He also asked the defendant to state his requests.
N F said he would like the court to provide another lawyer, however the judge said it was likely to take awhile and hiring a lawyer would be easier.
N F also said he would like a copy of his case files, and permission for his parents to visit him in prison.
Judge Al Hajeri allowed N F’s parents to meet with him after the session.
The case was adjourned until May 25.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
