ABU DHABI // A woman accused of bringing sorcery items inside her luggage said she was only carrying cosmetic herbs.
B A, from Morocco, was caught in the airport carrying a variety of items including amulets and fabrics that the Islamic Affairs Authority decided could be used for witchcraft and sorcery and to cause damage to others.
“You said then that it was to protect you from the evil eye,” said chief justice Dr Khairi Al Kabbash at the Appeals Court.
“I don’t understand why people would jinx you,” he said.
“They were natural substances and for cosmetic use,” insisted B A.
The chief justice explained that the items were sent to the Islamic Affairs Authority for examination.
“They said they are used for witchcraft and sorcery and to cause damages.”
B A continued to deny the charges.
“I have no relation at all to witchcraft and sorcery, those cosmetic herbs are sold in all herbal shops.”
She said the napkins and fabrics were for people who asked her to get them from Morocco.
“I am a married woman and I have been working here for 10 and a half years and never faced any problems or anyone accused me of anything. Why would I do this?”
She worked as a sales agent for five and a half years at one company and then moved to another where she has been working for the past five years.
“I do not have any problems in this country,” she added.
Her lawyer’s agent presented a written defence memo to the court.
She was found guilty by the First Instance Court and issued with a Dh 5,000 fine.
The court did not make it clear if the sentence included other penalties.
A verdict will be announced on January 19.
hdajani@thenational.ae
