ABU DHABI // The woman accused of killing an American teacher in the toilets of a Reem Island mall says she is “possessed by evil spirits” and suffers from mental illness.
Alaa Al Hashemi, 30, is charged with murdering Ibolya Ryan, 37, by repeatedly stabbing her in a toilet stall at Boutik Mall on December 1 last year.
Ms Al Hashemi on Monday said she had a chronic mental illness that led to “unreal visions” in which she would see “ghost-like people”.
“I act without thinking or realising,” she said. “I have had this illness since I was as young as 3 or 4 years. I started seeing women, speaking to them and playing with them.”
She said the visions were similar to being possessed. “I ask the court and the prison to consider my situation and to provide me with psychological help.”
It was Ms Al Hashemi’s second appearance at the State Security Court. She has denied all charges and said she was mistreated during interrogations, in which she was forced to confess.
Her lawyer, Abdulqader Al Haithami, said he wanted to delay her request for medical help until he could research the illness and have her condition diagnosed.
“I would like to consult specialists to see what this illness is and then we can seek medical attention,” Mr Al Haithami said.
Mr Al Haithami asked to analyse the evidence and to watch the security camera footage from the mall. He also requested that three witnesses be called to take the stand at the next hearing.
His requests were all granted by the court.
Ms Al Hashemi is also accused of trying to murder a doctor and his family with a bomb she made and left outside their apartment on the Corniche. The court heard the bomb failed to detonate.
A prosecutor said she had committed the crimes as an act of terror to threaten the stability and security of the country. He said Ms Al Hashemi was also accused of sending financial aid to Al Qaeda in Yemen, knowing the money would be used for terrorist activities.
She established two websites on which she spread terrorist ideals and promoted ISIL’s ideals and beliefs, and defamed symbols of the UAE to ruin the country’s reputation, prosecutors said.
The next hearing is scheduled for April 14.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
