Robber granted early release in Dubai after serving 15 years

A F was the only one arrested after a gang attacked a house in 1998, locking up its tenants, assaulting them and threatening to murder them before robbing them.

DUBAI // An Uzbek robber has been granted early release by Dubai Court of Appeal after serving 15 years of a life prison term handed to him in 1999.

A F was the only one arrested after a gang raided a house in 1998, locked up its tenants, assaulted them and threatened to murder them before robbing them.

According to the law, an inmate sentenced to life in jail has the right to apply for early release after completing 15 years of their term, on condition that the person has a clean record during the time served.

The Uzbek was detained on September 11, 1999, after he and a number of unidentified men carried out the crime.

He faced six charges – locking up four victims using force, threatening the victims with murder, robbery, attempted robbery of another victim, physical assault and trespassing – all of which he denied in the criminal and appeal courts.

He was convicted by both courts and sentenced to life in jail to be followed by deportation.

On September 11 this year, he had completed 15 years of his sentence and was given a letter of good conduct from Dubai Central Jail management, which stated that he had not committed any offence while incarcerated.

The letter also stated that his early release would be motivational for other inmates.

Dubai Court of Appeal approved his request and ordered his immediate deportation.