Two men face trial for cleaver attack on teen

sharjah — Two UAE citizens are on trial at the Sharjah Criminal Court for inflicting a serious injury with a cleaver to a 19-yearold Emirati’s hand, during a group clash near Al Khuzama park last year.

An eyewitness told the court that he and the victim went to meet the 24-year-old first accused. At the park, they found 17 people from two groups who were fighting. Having waited inside a car nearby, the witness said he only came to know about his friend’s injury after he saw him bleeding profusely as he returned to the car. He then drove his friend to Al Qasimi hospital. The victim was later shifted to Rashid Hospital, where a surgery was done. He would also have to travel abroad for further medical treatment, the 19-year-old witness told Khaleej Times.

At the court hearing, the first defendant said the victim came to the park with the intention of fighting and attacked them first. He claimed he was only defending himself and didn’t assault the victim. The second defendant said he was carrying a belt but did not attack the victim. He pointed out that he and his friends were sitting in the park when the victim’s group attacked them and they defended themselves.

He requested the court to release him as he was innocent. The judge has adjourned the hearing.

amira@khaleejtimes.com