An Islamic preacher in the UAE who is suing more than a dozen Twitter users after they criticised him online now faces legal action himself.
Waseem Yousef, a well-known TV personality, is accused of spreading “racism and hatred” through comments he made on social media.
Appearing at the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court on Tuesday, Mr Yousef was asked whether he intended to appoint counsel to aid his defence.
But the former preacher at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque responded by turning his back on the judge and insisting he would represent himself.
“Where are the charges?” he asked, as he turned away from officials to face the main body of the court.
“You are not in a television show,” the chief justice replied, before again urging Mr Yousef to instruct a lawyer.
In January, The National reported how Mr Yousef was suing 19 Twitter users after he claimed they had defamed him online.
On Tuesday, prosecution lawyers requested a delay in the case against Mr Yousef. The court agreed and the hearing was adjourned until March 18.
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Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
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January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
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February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
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March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
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June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
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Kathryn Hawkes of House of Hawkes on being a good guest (because we’ve all had bad ones)
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- Offer to buy groceries, cook them a meal or take your hosts out for dinner.
- Help out around the house.
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- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
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- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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