Man on trial for ‘supporting Libyan terrorist groups’ is a philanthropist, witness says



ABU DHABI // A man on trial for having links to terrorist organisations in Libya was a philanthropist supporting his country after the conflict that toppled Muammar Qaddafi, a witness told the Federal Supreme Court.

Libyan E U, 66, was accused with compatriots S A, 47, and K D, 55, of providing support to Islamist groups the Libyan Dawn Militia and the February 17th Martyrs Brigade in the form of millions of dirhams in cash, cars, night-vision goggles and bulletproof vests. K D’s son, M D, 34, an American citizen, is also on trial.

But yesterday charges were amended to engaging in hostilities against a foreign country, Libya, and raising funds without approval.

M A Q, 49, an Emirati businessman, told the court that E U was his friend and a respected philanthropist who was trying to help his country after the war that toppled the dictator Qaddafi.

“He built a mosque in the UAE for Dh4 million. He donated Dh1 million to the Red Crescent Society,” said M A Q, who told the court that E U stopped sending aid to Libya in 2012.

“The last time he sent aid to Libya was in 2012. He told me that the country was being divided by so many groups that he didn’t want to be a part of,” said M A Q, who presented the court with a letter from the president of the National Transitional Council in Libya, which stated that what E U was doing was legal in the eyes of the Libyan Government.

Lawyers for the other defendants, who all denied the charges against them, asked to be included in E U’s defence.

“E U wired the money to S A who bought the cars and it would be great if we group the defence of all the defendants together,” said S A’s lawyer.

The judge agreed.

The case was adjourned to April 11.

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The biog

Title: General Practitioner with a speciality in cardiology

Previous jobs: Worked in well-known hospitals Jaslok and Breach Candy in Mumbai, India

Education: Medical degree from the Government Medical College in Nagpur

How it all began: opened his first clinic in Ajman in 1993

Family: a 90-year-old mother, wife and two daughters

Remembers a time when medicines from India were purchased per kilo

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THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS

Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.

Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.

Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.

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7.05pm: Meydan Trophy (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,900m; Winner: Ya Hayati, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Bochart, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

8.15pm: Balanchine Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Magic Lily, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.

9.25pm: Firebreak Stakes Group Three (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.

10pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m; Winner: Eynhallow, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.

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Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
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UAE team
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Replacements
16. Lukas Waddington 17. Murray Reason 18. Ahmed Moosa 19. Stephen Ferguson 20. Sean Stevens 21. Ed Armitage 22. Kini Natuna 23. Majid Al Balooshi

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Price, base Dh379,000
Engine 2.9-litre, twin-turbo V6
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
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Torque 443Nm
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Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
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  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
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