Laptop theft confession illegal, court told



ABU DHABI // A TV cameraman accused of stealing a colleague's laptop and asking for a Dh200,000 ransom was tricked into confessing, a court was told today.

MM, an Emirati, was arrested during Ramadan in a police sting operation.

"When we took him to the station he insisted he wanted to confront the complainant," one of the Criminal Investigation Department officers said in the Criminal Court of First Instance. "She then told him 'confess that you did this and this and this ... listing four charges, and I will forgive you'."

According to the witness, MM told her: "Let's imagine I did all of these things; I am very sorry, will you forgive me now?"

At that point the woman jumped up and told the officers, "See, he confessed."

However, according to the CID agent, that was not a legal confession.

When he was arrested, MM said he had been in a relationship with the woman and they were nearly engaged when a disagreement occurred.

He said she gave him the laptop to fix, and he did not steal it. He is accused of asking for money to not distribute personal pictures on it.

MM's attorney asked to present their mobile phones to check the love messages between them.

The case has been adjourned until October 23.

hdajani@thenational.ae

Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
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The five pillars of Islam