Recently the Associated Press published a story about an American woman who was said to have been arrested at Abu Dhabi international airport for allegedly insulting United Arab Emirates. The woman has not been named and has been in custody since February 23, 2016.
The offense that the 25yr old unnamed woman was arrested for occurred when while outside the airport waiting for a taxi two men with whom she had no previous connection with decided to begin speaking to her in a manner she did not like. This is what she told the Federal Supreme Court. To her, these men were, perhaps, seen as being offensive. Go figure.
She was quoted saying that throughout the ordeal she simply "refused to engage with them and nothing happened" as reported by The National.
The National has also reported that whether or not evidence has been presented against the unnamed American woman in unknown. And that she requested to pay a fine and be released. There will not be a verdict until May 2, 2016. To me, that long of a wait seems ridiculous.
The U.S. Embassy located within Abu Dhabi "is aware of the case and is providing consular services." according to their statement made to the Associated Press. Whatever that's supposed to mean.
Unlike in America, or Europe where a defamation suit would be a civil matter, in Abu Dhabi it can also be equally seen as a criminal matter. This is why simply dissing a couple of jerkbags can land a person in jail in that country. It isn't like here in America how we get to talk crazy about the presidents in public and laugh about it. Over there you get locked up for it.
Appreciate your freedom of speech while you still can. It's the first amendment for a reason.
@didodi_tweet
No comments:
Post a Comment