ABU DHABI // A delivery man was only accused of sexual harassment because he refused to carry a television upstairs, the Criminal Court has heard.
The defendant, from Pakistan, went to the home of the accuser to deliver a TV set earlier this year. She ordered him to take it to the second floor of her house and he refused, saying his duty was only to deliver it to her doorstep and not to carry it all the way upstairs.
“So she refused to sign the delivery order and filed a report against him claiming he touched her breasts and private parts without any proof,” said his lawyer, Hadeya Al Hammadi.
The defendant was solely accused based on the claims of the accuser, and there were no witnesses or tests to prove any of it had actually happened, the court heard.
“Even when the court summoned the accuser to show up and testify, she refused to attend. If she were truly a victim of harassment, she would have been eager to attend and stand up for herself and for her rights,” said Mrs Al Hammadi.
The criminal factor is also absent from the case, added Mrs Al Hammadi. “There is no proof the defendant carried out any threat or attack, such as bruises or marks on the woman’s body or in the alleged crime scene.”
A verdict will be announced on November 24.
hdajani@thenational.ae
