Dubai Court Confirms Acquittal in Kidnapping Case
<p><strong>Dubai Court Upholds Acquittal in High-Profile Kidnapping and Assault Case</strong></p><p><strong>Dubai, UAE – September 2025:</strong> The Dubai Court of Appeal has upheld the acquittal of two Emirati men accused in a widely publicized kidnapping and assault case. The ruling, issued on 4 September 2025, confirmed the earlier verdict of the Court of First Instance and rejected the Public Prosecution’s appeal.</p><p><strong>Case Background</strong><br>The case arose from allegations that one defendant lured a woman under false pretences and took her to a private farm in Al Tay, owned by the second defendant. The complainant claimed she was held against her will, threatened, and subjected to sexual and physical assault. Forensic reports, however, indicated only minor injuries. Prosecutors accused the second defendant of assisting in the alleged crime by providing the location and reportedly participating in the assault. Both men faced charges under the UAE Penal Code, including kidnapping, physical violence, threats, and sexual assault.</p><p><strong>First Court Verdict</strong><br>On 26 June 2025, the Court of First Instance acquitted both men, citing insufficient evidence. The court also dismissed a related civil claim, ordering the complainant to cover legal fees and case costs. Dissatisfied, the Public Prosecution filed an appeal in July 2025, seeking to overturn the acquittal.</p><p><strong>Appeal Proceedings</strong><br>During the appeal, both defendants denied the charges through their lawyers. The defence argued that the encounter had been consensual, highlighting the complainant’s admission of a personal relationship with the first defendant and that she voluntarily went to the farm. The appellate court reviewed all evidence, witness statements, and forensic reports, noting that medical findings did not support claims of violent assault or coercion. The judges also underlined that UAE law does not criminalize consensual sexual activity between adults over 18.</p><p><strong>Court’s Reasoning</strong><br>The judges stressed that UAE law requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction. As the prosecution could not provide sufficient evidence to support its claims, the appeal was dismissed. The court emphasized that questioning the first court’s assessment of evidence alone does not justify overturning an acquittal. Consequently, the verdict in favor of the defendants was upheld and declared final.</p><p><strong>Key Findings of the Court</strong></p><p>The complainant had a prior personal relationship with the first defendant.</p><p>She voluntarily entered the car and went to the farm.</p><p>Medical reports did not corroborate her claims of injury.</p><p>Evidence failed to demonstrate the use of threats or force.</p><p><strong>Final Decision</strong><br>The Dubai Court of Appeal confirmed the acquittal of both Emirati men, making the ruling final and legally binding. The case highlights the high evidentiary standards in UAE criminal law, where allegations must be supported by clear, consistent, and convincing evidence.</p>