An Islamic preacher in the UAE who is suing more than a dozen Twitter users after they criticised him online now faces legal action himself.
Waseem Yousef, a well-known TV personality, is accused of spreading “racism and hatred” through comments he made on social media.
Appearing at the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court on Tuesday, Mr Yousef was asked whether he intended to appoint counsel to aid his defence.
But the former preacher at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque responded by turning his back on the judge and insisting he would represent himself.
“Where are the charges?” he asked, as he turned away from officials to face the main body of the court.
“You are not in a television show,” the chief justice replied, before again urging Mr Yousef to instruct a lawyer.
In January, The National reported how Mr Yousef was suing 19 Twitter users after he claimed they had defamed him online.
On Tuesday, prosecution lawyers requested a delay in the case against Mr Yousef. The court agreed and the hearing was adjourned until March 18.
