DUBAI // A tourist was molested as she watched last year’s National Day celebrations at the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Criminal Court heard.
Prosecutors said Malaysian NS, 19, was watching the celebrations on December 2 at around 6pm near Souk Al Bahar with a friend when she felt Pakistani SL, 35, pressing his body against her back.
“My hand accidentally hit the man behind me, I turned around and apologised to him,” said NS.
According to the victim, a minute later she felt SL rubbing his body on her back. “I was shocked and afraid, I tried to move away and leave but the defendant blocked me with his body.”
NS told prosecutors that when she moved to be closer to her friend, SL quickly left.
Eye witness SK, 65, from the UK, stated in records that the area was not that crowded, but SL stood close to NS, which she found suspicious.
“After 3 minutes I noticed the victim crying. I asked her what had happened and she told me that SL had pressed his body against her back and molested her,” said EK.
SL denied the charge in court.
The next hearing is set for April 28.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
