Beggar stands trial for blackmailing man in UAE

Ras Al Khaimah - The court adjourned the case to July 25 for pronouncing a verdict.

 An Arab beggar allegedly threatened to post a resident's "indecent" photographs on social media unless he paid her Dh22,000, a court in Ras Al Khaimah heard. The woman allegedly threatened to defame him and inform his wife about the photographs.
The RAK public prosecution charged the defendant with possessing indecent photos and misusing electronic devices and telecommunication services. The defendant was also charged with seeking alms from the complainant - a Gulf citizen - despite her sound health.
The plaintiff had withdrawn his complaint in April this year, but the prosecution pressed charges.
The woman's lawyer said in court that none of the charges were based on evidence. He said that his client visited the complainant's house in Ramadan 2016 as he was known for assisting vulnerable people. She told him that she was married and had three children, and that her husband's salary was not enough for covering their needs.
"He then gave her Dh100 and his mobile number, and asked her to give him a call," the lawyer said.
A year and a half later, the woman contacted the Gulf citizen and asked him for help to pay her children's school fees. According to the defence lawyer, he insulted her and asked her never to call him again.
"My client never called him back, but to her surprise, she was arrested in March this year and referred to the public prosecution on charges of begging and blackmailing the man," the lawyer said.
Denying the charges, the lawyer said her phone number was different from the one the complainant said he received a call from.
The court adjourned the case to July 25 for pronouncing a verdict.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah