More than a dozen Twitter users facing legal action from a prominent preacher they criticised online were exercising "freedom of expression", an Abu Dhabi court heard.
Waseem Yousef, a preacher at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and a well-known TV personality in the UAE, said he was defamed by “bullying” attacks on social media last year.
The alleged insults came after comments he made about Sahih Al Bukhari, one of six major collections of sayings and actions of the Prophet Mohammed.
Mr Yousef claimed not everything in the book should be taken as the “ultimate truth”, sparking an online backlash.
On Monday, 19 defendants who Mr Yousef had accused of defaming him on social media appeared at Abu Dhabi’s Court of Misdemeanour.
The case was back in court on Thursday, when defence lawyers representing 16 of the accused called for Mr Yousef to appear at the next hearing.
Ibrahim Al Tamimi, speaking on behalf of the defence team, asked for video footage of the comments made by Mr Yousef to be played at the next court hearing.
“The defendants were practicing freedom of expression,” he said.
Mudheya Al Minhali, representing Mr Yousef, requested the trial be held behind closed doors.
The defence team objected to the request, insisting the case was of public interest.
Mr Yousef previously said he believed those who attacked him had overstepped the mark and should be held to account.
“I was very patient but they overdid it,” he wrote on Twitter. “They bullied me and used bad manners and swear words.
“Therefore, I swear to God I will not give up on my right … and justice will stand between us.”
The case was adjourned until February 5 for the court to rule on this point and decide if Mr Yousef should be present at the next hearing.
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What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
