Prosecutors are seeking a stern punishment against a member of the ruling family for assaulting his friend and being responsible for his death following a sudden heart attack.
The 30-year-old royal from Abu Dhabi was said to have indulged in a heated argument and then assaulted his countryman friend in Al Barsha area in January.
Dubai police’s forensic examination report confirmed that the Emirati deceased succumbed to a fatal cardiac infarction that was triggered by high blood pressure and sudden fear.
The suspect pleaded not guilty and refuted any intention to cause the victim’s demise when he brought into the Dubai Court of First Instance to enter his plea on Tuesday.
“The Dubai Public Prosecution is seeking to implement the toughest punishment applicable against the suspect,” Assistant Chief Prosecutor Ahmad Abdullah Al Attar told presiding judge Mohammad Jamal in courtroom three on Tuesday.
Presiding judge Jamal asked the court’s secretary Talal Mohammad Daoud to read out the accusation sheet, according to which, prosecutors charged the suspect of assaulting the victim physically by pushing and beating him and being responsible for his death without intending to do so.
According to prosecutors, the suspect intentionally assaulted his friend, pushed him on his chest, beat different parts of his body and yelled at him loudly.
The assault, heated argument and loud voice put the victim under severe mental pressure, shock and distress that led to his death following a surprising heart seizure, according to the accusation sheet.
Prosecutors charged the suspect of assault which led to the victim’s death without intention to kill him, drinking liquor and driving under the influence of alcohol.
“I am not guilty. I assaulted him but the assault did not cause his death. I am not responsible for his demise,” the suspect argued before presiding judge Jamal.
He also pleaded guilty to consuming liquor and driving a car under the influence of liquor.
Assistant Chief Prosecutor Al Attar also provided the court with a copy of the Dubai Police’s department of forensic evidence report about examining the crime scene.
According to the Penal Law’s article 336, a suspect, who assaults a victim that leads to death, could face up to 10 years in jail.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the Emirati victim’s father was spotted approaching the bench of three judges and saying: “I want to file a civil compensation claim against the suspect. I want a copy of case file as well.”
Presiding judge Jamal adjourned the hearing to hear prosecution witnesses and for the victim’s father to lodge his civil lawsuit on March 13.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
