Australian fined for swearing at Dubai police officer

Source: The National 18 December '09
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An Australian private security consultant has been fined AED2,000 ($545) for swearing at a police officer, according to a report on Friday.
The man was on his way from Afghanistan and was arrested at Dubai International Airport on October 11 while en route to London, The National daily reported.
Dubai Court of Misdemeanours ordered the consultant to pay the fine after he denied charges filed against him on December 9. The man had faced a possible six-month jail term and a AED5,000 fine, The National added.
“[He] was in transit on his way to London when he tried to use an ATM machine at the airport,” his lawyer told the court. “He was irate and tired and when the officer came to him he had no intent to offend him or insult him.”
The accused allegedly used foul language when the officer grabbed him from behind. “We explained to the court that the words used were not to offend anyone.
The plaintiff just understood the words out of context and thought it was a direct insult to him,” the lawyer said.
The Australian testified that when he arrived from Afghanistan at about 8pm he headed to the ATM. He said that a man in a blue uniform, who did not identify himself as a police officer, blocked his way and told him he could not use the machines, according to the Abu Dhabi-based daily.
However, the officer, contradicted the Australian’s statement before prosecutors and said that the accused was trying to go into the arrivals hall without giving a reason. Later the Australian asked to speak to the officer’s supervisor and then swore in public. The police official said he was cursed at and was insulted.
The lawyer of the accused clarified that his client had no criminal intent, adding that the Australian consulate in Dubai issued a letter of apology to Dubai Police.
The National added that the consulate expressed its respect and appreciation to Dubai Police and its staff.

Sharjah police enforce law against men wearing accessories

Thirteen-year-old Mohammad was with a group of friends in Al Qasba area when he was reportedly approached by a police officer and taken to the police headquarters. His silver necklace had to go.
Another resident, Jeril Jaison Varghese, says he was in front of the Multiplex in Mega Mall to watch a movie when a CID officer asked him for his identification.
"I was taken to the Sharjah Police office inside the mall by a security guy from the mall. My silver bracelet was confiscated by the CID," he said.
When Varghese asked why his bracelet was being taken away, he says, police said men are not allowed to wear bracelets or any fashion accessories in Sharjah malls even if it is silver and not gold.
"When did this rule come into being? There was no public notification and no posters in the mall notifying people of this rule," Varghese said. Another resident said on Saturday CID confiscated his friend's silver bracelet while they were in a mall.
"Is there a rule in Sharjah that authorises the CID to confiscate fashion accessories other than gold from residents and their children from malls?" asked Aji Alexander.
A Mexican mother who recently shifted to the UAE and is now living in Sharjah said her 14-year-old son was scared when he was stopped by police who shouted at him for wearing diamond earrings.
"Police were rude... We have no clue that such things are not allowed here," the mother said. "I am not allowing my son to go to Al Qasba again. My son is a very decent and polite boy," she said.
"If people are not offending the laws of the country and are not acting like women by wearing such accessories so why are police taking such action?" she asked.
Mohammad from Sudan said his 18-year old nephew who came from Abu Dhabi to visit his grandmother in Sharjah was taken last week to the headquarters for wearing a silver necklace.
"The boy was afraid. He was standing in front of his grandmother's house when police took him to the CID. After three hours he contacted us," said Mohammad. Residents said Sharjah authorities should inform people who wish to come here that men must not wear fashion accessories.
"Tourist companies should inform the public. Information booklets should be handed to people at the country's entry points. They should advertise that in all malls and entertainment areas such as Al Qasba which we believe are safe places for our children to spend time," said a resident.
"We are aware of the decency law in Sharjah, but wearing silver bracelets, necklaces, or even earrings in a decent way is not against the law," said a resident.
A senior CID official told Gulf News that police are implementing an eight-year-old decency law.
"Men are not allowed to wear such accessories. Everybody is aware of that," he said. "We are informing people through the media and people should be aware of that," he said.
Islam forbids men from wearing gold and silk.
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Source: Gulf News 21 July 21 09