Men accused of fighting brawl in court

The Iraqi caretaker of a mosque in Bur Dubai and an Emirati military officer are facing charges after a dispute over a drink of water.

DUBAI // An attempt by a judge to reconcile two men who brawled in a mosque over a drink of water failed when they began fighting again in court. The Iraqi caretaker of a mosque in Bur Dubai, SS, 60, and an Emirati military officer, RS, 41, were charged at the Dubai Court of Misdemeanours on June 22 with saying profanities and brawling. Both men denied the charges and Presiding Judge Hamdi Abulkhier adjourned the case to allow the men to reach a reconciliatory agreement. However, after hearing court statements, the men began an argument and police had to be called to break them up. The court suspended the reconciliatory efforts.

According to public prosecutors records, the feud first began three months ago when R S and his son went to a mosque to pray. R S told prosecutors that his son had been told the water cooler was locked and that no one was allowed to drink from it. The father said he asked the caretaker to open the cooler after prayers, but the Iraqi refused. He said the caretaker said profanities which, said a witness, led to a brawl.

The caretaker told prosecutors RS had initiated the insults. In court, S S claimed that after the incident, R S placed a note on his car saying "Iraqi dog". The hearing will issue its verdict on September 2 and both men were released on bail. @Email:[e-mail]