Man stands trial for insulting ex-FNC member on Snapchat in UAE

Ras Al Khaimah - He noted that he did not have any relation or dispute with the complainant.

An Emirati national stood trial at the Ras Al Khaimah Misdemeanour Court on charges of insulting a former Federal National Council (FNC) member in a Snapchat he shared on the eve of the recent elections.
The defendant told the court he did record and share the Snapchat video, but it was only a kind of general comment on hopeful FNC members' advice to voters.
"I did not name the complainant, but was talking generally," he said. "I did not use any abusive words; it was just a professional general criticism."
He added that he did not watch the earlier video of the complainant on Snapchat.
"The video I shared was not in any way a reply to the complainant's video which I had not watched."
He noted that he did not have any relation or dispute with the complainant.
"I was referred to the court on charges that are not included in the case file, while the complaint is baseless."
In his complaint, the plaintiff said the defendant's video - which he shared on Snapchat - was directed at him.
"I was telling the voters that I had no intention to run the FNC elections, and advised them to vote for the best, but he (the defendant) insulted me in his video and said my words and advice were contradictory to my deeds."
The court ordered adjournment of the case to next Thursday to issue its ruling.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah