Reem killer’s husband denies terror charges

ABU DHABI // The husband of the woman executed for killing an American teacher in a Reem Island mall has told the Federal Supreme Court it was his wife, not him, who used their computer to read terrorist websites.

Emirati M A H, whose wife Alaa Al Hashemi was executed last year for murdering mother of three Ibolya Ryan in a toilet in Boutik Mall, told the court that she was active on extremist forums.

“I only used my work’s email address. I do not have any other email accounts or social media accounts,” he told the judge.

His lawyer said his client did not agree with ideologies of terrorism because of his commitment to provide a good life for his family.

“He holds a championship in body building, is married and has six children and built a house that cost him nearly Dh4 million with an indoor pool,” said the lawyer.

“He enrolled his sons in private schools and completed his studies after hours while working in the Government for 11 years.”

The lawyer also rebutted claims that his client was learning how to make home-made bombs as part of a plot to blow up Yas Marina Circuit.

“The chemicals seized in his home were inert materials that cannot be used in the manufacture of explosives even if mixed with other materials,” he said. “Some of the seized items were also parts of broken toys and accessories.”

The court heard in previous hearings that M A H had sent about Dh80,000 to Al Qaeda – a claim his lawyer rejected.

“The financial statements presented by the prosecution show a lot discrepancies and inaccuracies.”

The lawyer asked for his client to be acquitted.

The court will deliver its verdict on May 9.