Emirati man appeals conviction for raping his niece

The man, who was handed a 10 year jail sentence by the Criminal Court, has claimed that testimony from a maid was not heard during the initial trial.

ABU DHABI // A man convicted of raping his 12-year-old niece has appealed against his 10-year prison sentence.

Emirati R M said at the Appeals Court that during the initial police investigation he was told by an officer that the family’s maid had testified and he would be cleared when referred to public prosecution.

He claimed that the maid’s testimony was not heard, nor was evidence from a forensics report.

Prosecutors during the man’s trial at the Criminal Court said R M had a reputation for drunkenness and sexual harassment, and he raped his niece after drinking alcohol.

It was also claimed that members of his family had banned him from entering the home, but on the night of the incident he was given permission by his brother.

He was said to have been drinking at a hotel near the family home, and on his return he started harassing female members of the household.

He led his niece to the home’s majlis, where he pushed her to the floor and raped her, the court heard.

The victim claimed that he stopped attacking her only after hearing the call for fajr prayers.

The girl’s father was out of the country on the night of the incident.

R M requested that his brother be called as a witness, but Chief Justice Sayed Abdulbaseer said his testimony would not change anything at the core of the case.

The case was adjourned to call other witnesses, including the maid and a police officer.