ABU DHABI // A drug user who previously received a presidential pardon has appeared in court again, pledging to go to rehab.
The 22-year-old Emirati was in court after being arrested for a second time for drug consumption.
“I request medical treatment because the last time I was released by pardoning before undergoing treatment,” he said.
Chief justice Idris bin Mansour argued this was not an excuse.
“Being released was deterrent enough for you to stop consuming drugs and be cured,” he said, “and upon your release you had the right to seek treatment anyway.
“You had a chance but, instead, you continued to consume drugs.”
The court said it will announce a decision later on whether to refer him for medical treatment or otherwise.
hdajani@thenational.ae
