Omani blogger acquitted by UAE court over social media ‘insults’

The Federal Supreme Court on Monday acquitted the Omani blogger of all charges after a psychiatric report said he had bipolar disorder.

ABU DHABI // An Omani blogger on trial for publishing on social media material that insulted the UAE has been acquitted.

The Federal Supreme Court on Monday acquitted Muawiyah Al Rawahi, 31, of all charges, deeming him not entirely responsible for his actions because he is mentally ill.

A psychiatric analysis had shown that the defendant had bipolar disorder. His lawyer and a medical expert told the judge that Al Rawahi’s medical condition causes him to act irresponsibly.

However, the judge ordered Al Rawahi be deported.