A tourist sentenced to three months in jail over a drunken incident at a bar has been pardoned by the Ruler of Dubai and will be allowed to return home.
Jamie Harron, 27, from Scotland, was arrested after a German-Jordanian expatriate called police alleging the man had patted his behind, then flashed his middle finger, the court heard.
The incident took placed at a bar in Barsha Heights on July 15.
On Sunday he was convicted by Dubai Criminal Court but on Monday Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, issued a pardon.
He will have his passport returned and will be able to leave Dubai.
“We wish to express our deepest gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for his personal intervention in this case," his UK-based legal representative, Radha Stirling, said in a statement.
The case has attracted widespread international media coverage and reports say Harron was on a two-day stopover in Dubai on his way back to Afghanistan, where he worked as an electrician.
A 27-year-old mechanical engineer, who is a witness and friend of Harron, told prosecutors that the Scotsman did not mean to offend the man, but confirmed that he did touch him.
“He was passing near the other man and accidentally touched his arm then immediately apologised and he patted him on his behind in a gesture that meant he was sorry,” said the witness.
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Read more:
Scottish tourist in court over incident in packed Dubai bar
Scottish tourist jailed for drunkenly touching man in Dubai bar
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Favourite film:
Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.
Favourite holiday destination:
Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.
Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.
Favourite pastime:
Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.
Heidi: Paddleboarding and swimming.
Personal motto:
Declan: Take chances.
Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
