Mum in Dubai court for insulting son-in-law's ability to perform

DUBAI // A mother-in-law has landed in the dock for calling her daughter's estranged husband "trash" and insulting his ability to perform in the bedroom.

The trouble began when the Bahraini daughter left her Emirati husband's home after he discovered she had been in contact with her ex-fiance on BlackBerry Messenger.

When the husband, NE, tried to reach her by phone a week later, he failed. He tried to reach her on her mother's number but also failed.

His cousin tried to intervene and help settle the marital problems but when he called NE's wife's mother, 43-year-old AM, she launched a tirade against him.

"She told me that NE was … incapable of having sex with his wife and he was trash,” the husband’s cousin told the Dubai Court of Misdemeneaours yesterday.

NE said in his testimony that he married his wife six months ago. Shortly after the marriage, he discovered she was still in touch with her ex-fiance and a fight began. The wife went to her mother's house in Ras Al Khaimah.

"AM had previously insulted me during our phone calls and at times in my residence in Al Qarqaa area," said NE, adding that his wife did not listen to him and often left the house without his permission.

During prosecution's questioning AM said she was not guilty. She said she got angry when NE's cousin called her and only described her son-in-law as low and dirty.

She said she and her daughter had filed a case against him at the Ras Al Khaimah Sharia court. She also said NE had once accused her of having illicit affairs and had insulted her and her daughter but they both forgave him.

A verdict is expected later this month.