Five arrested in Sharjah after unwed mother dies

The baby is receiving treatment at a local hospital.

SHARJAH // Police have arrested five women after they allegedly helped a young mother who died shortly after childbirth last month.

Police found the newborn alive in an apartment alongside the body of its Indonesian mother in December. A police spokesman said neighbours in the Nassirya area told police that a bad smell was coming from the apartment and the door had remained closed for days.

The baby boy is being treated at a local hospital.

The woman's sister, who lived in the apartment with her, said the mother died after complications arose during her home delivery. She was afraid to go to hospital because she was not married to the baby's father.

Her sister asked for help from four other Indonesian woman, who brought medicine to the dying woman.

When the woman died, they decided to flee, leaving behind the mother and baby.

The police spokesman said all five women were arrested and were also found to be living in the UAE illegally after absconding from their sponsors.

Police have referred them to prosecutors.