ABU DHABI // One of two Korean architects caught taking pictures of the Iranian and Syrian embassies about a month ago got a Dh500 fine for the act, which he said was for work purposes.
CR admitted to taking pictures, while the other architect, JS, was only accompanying him.
"We are doing a project to design the new Korean embassy," said CR, who also carries a US passport.
He and JS, who is the general manager of the Korean-based company managing the project, wanted to look at other embassy designs. The Iranian and Syrian facilities, across the street from the Korean site, were their first choices.
But they were arrested.
CR, who said he had been in the UAE for only a few months, must pay the Dh 500 fine. JS was found not guilty.
The photos were confiscated by the State Security Court, which heard the case.
hdajani@thenational.ae