Abu Dhabi court-appointed lawyer refuses ‘judicial farce’ case

ABU DHABI // The court-appointed lawyer for a man who called judicial procedures a “farce” on social media refused to attend the hearing on Monday.

Emirati N F, 27, an employee at a governmental entity, is accused of spreading false rumours and ideas on his personal Twitter account. He is also accused of referring to the 2012 sedition trial as a “judicial farce”.

N F publicly insulted royal family members on the account, it was said in court.

Judge Falah Al Hajeri asked N F’s father, who was present at court, to hire another lawyer as soon as possible in order to continue with the trial. He also asked the defendant to state his requests.

N F said he would like the court to provide another lawyer, however the judge said it was likely to take awhile and hiring a lawyer would be easier.

N F also said he would like a copy of his case files, and permission for his parents to visit him in prison.

Judge Al Hajeri allowed N F’s parents to meet with him after the session.

The case was adjourned until May 25.