Dubai court ups sentence of youths convicted of murder attempt

DUBAI // Two men who were sentenced to six months in prison for attempting to kill a 15-year-old had their sentences increased to two years by the Appeals Court.

MS, 19, an Emirati soldier, and AE, 19, an Emirati student, were among five youths who tried to kill the schoolboy after he insulted them. They drove up to him on April 29 as he was standing near his house in Al Rashidiya with some friends.

The soldier stepped out of the car, pulled a 90cm-long iron bar from behind his back and hit the schoolboy on the head, while the student joined in the attack with his bare hands.

Two others used swords to attack the schoolboy, causing him an injury that nearly proved fatal. All five then fled the scene. A police corporal who witnessed the attack said the five youths obviously meant to kill the boy.

The Criminal Court sentenced MS and AE to six months for their part in the attack but this sentence was increased by the Appeals Court.

salamir@thenational.ae