Adultery accused decide to wed

Couple have been living together for past year and six months, defendant says

An Emirati man and an Ethiopian woman charged with adultery are to get married, the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court of First Instance heard yesterday.

On being asked to testify, the defendant M. F. immediately told the court that he wants to marry K. A., despite already be- ing married to another woman.

“We do have a marriage contract, but there are no witnesses to confirm this,” M. F. said. “We wrote the contract about a year ago, but I do not currently have it. The person I left it with told me it’s unavailable.”

Child

The couple have whose whereabouts known.

“We have lived together for the past year and six months at a Bani Yas accommodation. A few of my friends are aware of my situation,” K. A. said.

A court- appointed defence lawyer said there is no techni- a child are un- cal evidence against his client.

“I request that my client is acquitted as Sharia law includes either a confession from my client, or the presence of four witnesses who saw the alleged illicit act being committed, neither of which apply in my client’s case,” he said. “Additionally, only K. A. admitted to the affair and her confession is not accepted under Islamic law as she is not a Muslim herself.”

In response, presiding judge Idris Bin Mansour asked the defendant not to underestimate the sanctity of marriage and to take it seriously.

The case has been adjourned until December 4.