DUBAI // A string of insults between two high school students led to the stabbing of two people, including a policeman, in a brawl involving more than 25 men in Rashidiya. The fight in November 2008 was sparked by one student allegedly insulting the sisters of another, which then led to the involvement of the insulted person's family and friends. Knives, wrenches and tear gas was used in the fight, resulting in the stabbing of a policeman and a student.
Two of the suspects were charged at the Dubai Court of First Instance yesterday with attempted murder while another two were charged with assault. All the accused are students; the three Emiratis AM, 18, AK, 22, NM, 18, and an Omani HH, 24, denied the charges. AK and HH were both charged with attempted murder after AK allegedly stabbed the policeman Marwan al Sumaiti close to the heart, almost killing him. HH allegedly stabbed the policeman's nephew Amer al Sumaiti in the chest and face.
AM and MM were charged with assault and with being members of an armed gang. If found guilty the defendants face a minimum of three years and a maximum of 15 years in prison. The court adjourned the hearing to March 18. amustafa@thenational.ae
