Dubai Police has transferred the case of a senior government official to the Public Prosecution for allegedly assaulting a van driver following a traffic accident.
Major General Khamis Mattar Al Muzinah, Acting Chief of Dubai Police, said: “Dubai Police apprehended the government official and called the van driver after taking cognisance of the case. Though the van driver did not file a complaint against the official immediately after the incident on Saturday, police acted swiftly in public interest.”
A YouTube video that showed the alleged assault went viral on social media on Monday night.
“The suspect told police during investigations that the van driver verbally abused him after the accident,” Major General Muzinah said.
“Even if it is true that the van driver verbally abused the official, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” Maj Gen Muzinah said. “The police and other authorities are responsible for dealing with such incidents. We will not allow anyone else by any means to act on behalf of law enforcement authorities.”
Maj Gen Muzinah said that the case is now in the hands of the Emarati judiciary - the only body that can determine the extent of the credibility of the statements of both the parties.
He asserted that the Emirati expressed great regret over his act.
According to the police, the Indian van driver clipped the Emirati’s four-wheel drive in the Muraqqabat area.
The official then chased down the driver, stopped him and allegedly assaulted him.
Human Rights body praises rapid response of Dubai Police
Meanwhile, the Emirates Association for Human Rights has praised the rapid response of Dubai Police in arresting the official.
The association noted that the act of the official was against the law and contradicted human rights and religious principles.
The statement of the association stated that the act doesn’t represent the UAE’s culture.
It also contradicts the nature of the nation which respect laws and appreciates its guests and inhabitants. This is what is constantly emphasised by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The association assured that the procedure taken by the Dubai Police for arresting the defendant and referring him to the Public Prosecution clarifies that the UAE’s laws apply to all sections of the community.
[Image via Shutterstock]
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