Student faces trial over school arson

sharjah — The Sharjah Criminal Court has adjourned the hearing in a case of arson at a government high school — that took place in March — after the lawyer presented papers stating that the accused student was preparing for his annual exams, which had prevented him from attending the first trial. The lawyer also asked the court to refer the boy to a counsellor.

The student allegedly started the fire, which was doused by other students and school workers, before the civil defence teams arrived at the site. While putting out the blaze, many students suffered suffocation and were taken to hospital.

The Ministry of Education and the Sharjah Police conducted investigations into the incident.

Sources in the school confirmed that it was the second such fire that took place on the campus during the current academic year. Earlier, a blaze broke out in the school theatre and caused huge damage, which was captured in a video widely circulated on the social media.

The student accused in the March fire may face two counts of criminal charges — arson and damaging public property, said Emirati lawyer Awatif Mohammed from Al Rowad Advocates.

“As per the UAE Penal Code (Articles 304 and 424), starting a fire in factories, workshops, stores, inhabited or uninhabited buildings and damaging property are punishable offences with up to seven years of jail term,” said Awatif.

However, if the accused is a minor, Awatif said the convict would face half the term stated for this crime in the penal code. “He will be tried according to the Juveniles Federal Law,” she pointed out.