DUBAI // The rapist and killer of eight-year-old Obaida Al Aqrabawi says he is unable to speak to his lawyer because of a ban on phone calls, Dubai Appeals Court heard.
Nidal Abu Ali, 48, told the judge: “Your honour, I want my lawyer to call me because I can’t call him. I’m not allowed to make calls. I’m banned from everything, even water.”
In a two-minute hearing on Sunday, the court heard Abu Ali’s mental health report had still not been received from a medical committee.
“We urge the prosecution to follow up on the report,” said the presiding judge, before adjourning the hearing until December 18.
In an earlier hearing Jordanian Abu Ali said that God would be his lawyer.
Obaida, also Jordanian, was kidnapped on May 20 while playing outside his father’s garage in Sharjah’s industrial area. His body was found two days later in Al Warqa, Dubai.
Abu Ali admitted to drinking alcohol that day and to killing the boy, but denied sexual assault and kidnapping.
He was sentenced to death by Dubai Criminal Court on August 15 for the kidnap, rape and premeditated murder of the boy. He was also found guilty of drinking alcohol without a licence and driving under the influence.
Abu Ali had claimed that he suffered from a mental illness but the court dismissed it because it was not supported by documents. The appeal court ordered an evaluation.
salamir@thenational.ae