Man insulted UAE leaders after ‘drinking too much coffee’

The defendant claimed he insulted the leaders of the UAE because he had anger management issues, the Federal Supreme Court heard.

ABU DHABI // A man only insulted the UAE’s leaders because he has “anger issues” and “drinks too much coffee”, the Federal Supreme Court heard on Monday.

E S, 48, an Emirati, is accused of insulting the President and Vice President of the UAE and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi openly in his workplace.

The defendant denied the accusation, saying he might only have insulted the Crown Prince “in a state of anger”.

“I might have said a few things because I was angry, and there is a probability it was about the Crown Prince,” he said.

“I don’t remember the words but I have a problem with anger and I drink too much coffee. I didn’t do it on purpose and it came out of anger.”

He also said his insults were only verbal and there was no written evidence on his mobile phone or the internet.

He requested the court to provide a lawyer for him, as he said he could not afford one because he had numerous loans.

Judge Falah Al Hajeri asked for his salary, which the defendant said was Dh40,000.

The judge rejected his request saying his salary could cover the costs of a lawyer.

E S said he would not hire a lawyer and would defend himself.

The case was adjourned to April 27.