DUBAI // The mother of an eight-year-old boy who was raped and strangled shouted out in court “may God take revenge from you” at the man accused of the killing.
The 48-year-old Jordanian defendant did not react to the outburst at the Dubai Criminal Court hearing on Monday.
The man is charged with kidnapping Obaida Al Aqrabawi, making threats and physical abuse, rape and premeditated murder, plus drinking alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The courtroom, filled with lawyers, Obaida’s relatives and officials, listened to evidence from police officers.
“He confessed that after raping the child he began thinking what to do, how could he undo what had happened, but he made the worst choice and decided to kill him,” an officer said.
A second policeman said the defendant was asked by the boy’s father to clean the garage he runs in Sharjah.
“While cleaning, he said the boy came and started talking to him and telling him about his desire of owning a scooter, so he promised him one and told him to meet up with him behind the garage without his father noticing,” said the officer.
“He picked up the child and drove through Al Wahda Street in Sharjah where, he confessed to us, the idea of sexually assaulting the child came to him. So he stopped near a grocery store and bought a bottle of lotion and juice,” said the officer.
He said that the man was calm during questioning and confessed willingly.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. The next hearing will be on July 25.
salamir@thenational.ae
