A young Emirati serving an 18-year jail term on charges of kidnapping and raping an Asian girl by impersonating as a CID official had something to cheer about on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old inmate tied the knot with his fiancee in Al Ain Shariah Court, reported ‘Al Khaleej’ daily.
Adorning prison uniform and in handcuffs, he waited along with two policemen for his bride to arrive in court. No sooner than the 29-year-old bride walked in with her guardian and other witnesses, than he handed over Dh10,000 dowry and made her his wife.
Expressing his happiness at being a married man, he said, however, he would have wanted the situation to be different.
Meanwhile, it was tough for her to get her family to agree to the union. “I have faith in him and believe he is innocent,” the bride, who had been visiting him in prison, said.
She said there are ambiguities in the case as the plaintiff is not in the country. She stressed that her husband is innocent and has denied all charges.
“My family checked the creditials of my husband and were convinced of his good character. He enjoys a good reputation in his neighbourhood and at his workplace,” she added.
The case has been moved to the court of appeal.
The lower court sentenced him to 18 years in jail (three years on charges of theft and 15 years for kidnapping and raping charges).