DUBAI // An unemployed man insulted Islam by saying “Muslims are terrorists”, a Dubai court has heard.
The 27-year-old Filipino appeared in court on Tuesday accused of insulting Islam during a feud with a room-mate in October, after which he is accused of issuing threats to police officers.
Police were called to an apartment in Al Bedaa after the defendant reported that a flat-mate trespassed and used his personal belongings without permission.
The Palestinian officer who responded to the incident told prosecutors that a Pakistani flat-mate requested that the defendant lower the volume of his music while the Mosque was calling for prayers.
The 27-year-old refused, so the flat-mate turned it off.
“I talked to the flat-mate, then told the defendant that he should respect others’ religions, and the call to prayer and the flat-mate’s wishes. He the started shouting at me, saying ‘I will not respect the call for prayer, I will not respect Islam. Why do you want me to do so? Are you God?’,” said 28-year-old officer.
The policemen said the defendant then started insulting Islam and issuing threats.
“Islam is a terrorist religion, Muslims are terrorists, I will show you what I will do, I know a lot of important people,” the defendant allegedly said.
However, the Filipino denied the charges of insulting Islam and issuing threats in court on Tuesday and a verdict is expected on February 7.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
