Defence blames Tamim's killing on 'affairs'

A defence lawyer for the man accused of killing the Lebanese singer Suzanne Tamim said yesterday that several Arab leaders and businessmen with whom the victim had affairs had motives to kill her. Atef el Manawi, the lawyer for Mohsen el Sokari, 39, a former Egyptian police officer, disputed DNA and video evidence presented by the prosecution. The singer, 31, was found dead in her apartment in Jumeirah Beach Residences on July 28 last year.

Hisham Talaat Moustafa, 49, a leading member of Egypt's ruling party, is accused of hiring Mr el Sokari to kill Tamim, his estranged lover, for US$2 million (Dh7.35m). Mr el Manawi tried to cast doubt yesterday on witnesses and the evidence collected by Dubai Police and given to authorities in Egypt, accusing them of taking bribes to frame Mr el Sokari. The defence said that Mr el Sokari did not kill Ms Tamim, but had lied to Mr Moustafa about the killing to get the money. The trial was adjourned until tomorrow, when the defence will continue.

nmagd@thenational.ae