Abu Dhabi court says rape suspects 'not serious about their defence'

ABU DHABI // A case involving eight men and boys accused of gang-raping a child and filming him dancing naked has been sent back to the Appeals Court because defence lawyers “weren’t serious” enough.

Dr Khairi Al Kabbash, the head of the Appeals Court, said the Cassation Court had referred the case back because lawyers for the Emirati, Omani and stateless defendants were “not serious about their defence”.

“They did not show up in court and only sent a memo,” said Dr Al Kabbash. “As part of protecting human rights all defendants should have a full opportunity to defend themselves.”

Each of the eight denied rape. However, one of them, the Emirati FM, admitted having sex with the boy, but told the judge that this was with the boy’s consent. He added that the boy had waited six months before pressing charges.

The judge said that according to the case files the boy had agreed to intercourse, but due to his young age such an action was considered rape.

The case was adjourned until September 19.