Drunk tourist slaps man in Dubai, denies charge

Dubai - The 27-year-old man has denied the charge, claiming it happened by mistake.

A British tourist has been charged in the Court of First Instance with sexually harassing a man by slapping him on his rear intentionally in a crowded bar.
The 27-year-old man has denied the charge, claiming it happened by mistake. He said he was just trying to balance his drink when he touched the other man by accident.
The complainant, a 47-year-old Arab manager with a German passport, said he was with his friends at a hotel in Al Barsha when the accused went to them and intentionally slapped him on his back. "He looked drunk. He just laughed when I asked him why he did that. Before the police arrived, he flashed a finger."
A 51-year-old Jordanian businessman said he was with the complainant and other friends when the accused touched him in a vulgar way. "My friend was irritated by that and we could see the other man was drunk."
A British mechanic, 37, said he was with the defendant when the latter's arm touched the complainant's accidently. He also said "sorry." The tourist was in Dubai in July for a few days when he was charged in the case. He had been detained for five days and was then released on bail pending the trial. The court is expected to pronounce a verdict on October 22.
mary@khaleejtimes.com  
 

• Dubai