Man cleared of making racist remark on WhatsApp after complaint is filed too late

Case dismissed against American supervisor at Abu Dhabi court

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A supervisor accused of making a racist jibe on WhatsApp has been cleared of the charge - as the complaint was lodged too late.

The American worker, 45, allegedly told a black compatriot he had only been given his job due to his race.

The incident was said to have taken place in April of last year, but a complaint was made in August, making it a month out of time.

The complainant, 42, who is a fighter jet engineer, said he received an incendiary message while at his home in Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, on April 21, 2018.

The supervisor's legal representative said there was no "legal grounds" for the case due to the timing of the complaint.

"Issuing insults is a misdemeanor as per article 10 from UAE's criminal procedures law and ought to be dismissed as the claimant waited more than three months to report it, therefore there is no legal ground for it as a case," said Hassan Elhais, representing the supervisor.

Abu Dhabi Court of First Instance dismissed the case.