Government officials charged with privacy breach released as court mulls jurisdiction

On Wednesday the Appeals Court, which was considering whether or not to refer the case to Al Ain Misdemeanor Court, decided that the defendants should be released immediately.

ABU DHABI // The Appeals Court has ordered the immediate release of three government officials accused of breaching privacy by placing CCTV cameras in a women's customer service centre in Al Ain.

On Wednesday morning the Appeals Court, which was considering whether or not to refer the case to Al Ain Misdemeanor Court, decided that the defendants should be released immediately.

The three have not been acquitted, nor have they been released on bail.

There is contention over whether some of the offences took place in Abu Dhabi as well as Al Ain.

The Appeals Court will announce its verdict on February 2 regarding which court will look the case.

If the court finds the Abu Dhabi Court is the one concerned, the case will continue and a verdict will be issued.

If it is decided that it should heard in Al Ain, the trial will start from scratch at the Al Ain Misdemeanor Court as per article 242 of the penal procedures law.