Defence attorneys decline to hear witness testimony in security case

ABU DHABI // Defence lawyers declined to hear witness testimony in a case against an Emirati accused of defaming the country on social media, the State Security Court was told on Tuesday.

O N, 25, is accused of spreading false information about the UAE’s laws and state security procedures, and defaming the country and government bodies on Twitter.

He is also accused of communicating with members of a secret organisation linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, and of joining the group.

He earlier denied the charges, saying he had only written of his personal feelings about his father, who was given a 10-year prison sentence last year for being a member of the Brotherhood.

It was claimed that O N had referred to court hearings during his father’s trial as “comical theatre”.

His lawyers, Hamdan Al Zeyoodi and Amal Khamees, waived his right to hear witness testimony, saying the case files were sufficient and clear.

Their client asked the court to provide him with the case files so he could call a witness if needed, and Judge Mohammed Al Jarah Al Tenaiji agreed.

The case was adjourned until October 28 when defence and prosecution will give their arguments.

aalkhoori@thenational.ae