Depressed Dubai inmate fined for suicide attempt

DUBAI // A depressed prisoner has been fined for trying to commit suicide by drinking bleach and swallowing nails.

SD, 32, an Emirati housewife, said she was "fed up with life" at Dubai Central Prison, where she has been serving three years for drug dealing since December.

A policewoman, SS, 28, noticed the inmate was unwell and asked what was wrong.

She told her she had drunk cleaning solutions and swallowed nails and screws.

"I asked her about how much she drank and how many nails and screws she swallowed but she couldn't remember," said the policewoman.

She said the inmate tried to avoid going for treatment because she was afraid of facing charges, but was taken to Rashid Hospital.

Doctors removed the screws and nails from her stomach and treated her for the effects of the chemicals.

The Misdemeanours Court issued a Dh2,000 fine for attempted suicide, which will be added to a Dh50,000 fine handed down as a part of her drug sentence.

salamir@thenational.ae