Accused Dubai torture dad must be forced to testify, court rules



DUBAI // A father accused of torturing his 8-year-old daughter to death must be forced to testify, a judge ruled today.

HS, a 29-year-old Emirati who is accused of torturing his two daughters, Wadeema, 8, and Mira, 7 as well as killing Wadeema, failed to turn up to his hearing at the Criminal Court yesterday.

Despite being in custody at Dubai Central Prison the father "refused to appear", a police officer told Judge Maher Salameh.

"[He] needs to be brought to the next hearing, even with the use of force if needed," Mr Salameh replied, before adjourning the case to January 2.

The father is accused of carrying out the torture with his girlfriend AM, 27, who is also Emirati. The girlfriend appeared in court today with her newborn baby, who was delivered in the Dubai Central Prison.

The couple are accused of burning the two girls with irons, cigarettes and boiling water in their studio apartment in International City.

They are also said to have beaten them with sticks, electrical wires and bars and shocked them with an electric stun gun.

The girlfriend has confessed to all charges, but the father has denied all charges except one related to hiding Wadeema's body.

At the previous court hearing, on November 26, the father jumped from the dock and charged at a police officer who was testifying that when the father wanted to have sex with his girlfriend the pair would lock the daughters in the bathroom.

wissa@thenational.ae

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The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

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Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Seven tips from Emirates NBD

1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details

2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet

3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details

4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure

5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs  (one-time passwords) with third parties

6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies

7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately