Scorpions drummer to be released from jail in next two days

James Kottak, who was sentenced to a month in jail for insulting Islam, will be released within two days and will fly home to America, his defence lawyer said.

James Kottak was sentenced to a month in jail for insulting Islam. Ethan Miller/ Getty Images/ AFP

DUBAI // Jailed Scorpions drummer James Kottak will be released within two days and fly home to America, his lawyer said Wednesday.

“I believe that on May 1 or 2 he would complete his jail term, which started from April 3,” said Hamid Al Khazraji.

“His ticket was booked and purchased today after I had paid his fine on the alcohol consumption charges.”

Kottak was sentenced to a month in jail for insulting Islam.

He told the Dubai Court of Misdemeanours that he had drunk five glasses of wine on a flight from Moscow to Dubai.

He was in transit to Bahrain to perform at the country’s Formula One grand prix on April 3 when he was arrested.

Mr Al Khazraji said the case proved the need for a review of the UAE’s liquor licence laws.

“Even if the alcohol consumption happened on the plane, which is allowed to serve alcohol and the passengers are allowed to drink, the drinking issue itself was highlighted,” the lawyer said.

“He was charged with it because he had been involved in an altercation with some individuals at the airport.

“A temporary permit given to the tourist and maybe even the transit passenger would help clear the confusion in this area, which will also result in boosting tourism.

“According to the law, one is permitted to drink on board a plane but he or she is not permitted, once on landing, to commit any illegal act.”

Witnesses said Kottak had started swearing at the airport transit lounge, and talking about “non-educated Muslims”, then flashed his middle finger at Pakistani passengers. Police said he also exposed his behind.

Mr Al Khazraji said no appeal had been filed and his client would fly home in a day or two.

Expatriates in Abu Dhabi said abiding by the country’s alcohol laws and obtaining a liquor licence was a matter of “good sense”.

“You always hear stories about people getting locked up because they don’t have a licence. It is pretty easy to get it – it’s all done online now,” said a Briton, 42.

“I think it is just good sense to have to have the licence. It feels like an insurance policy. I’ve not had to show it in any bars and the alcohol store doesn’t ask for it when I am buying drinks. It just sits in my wallet, really.”

But others said they had not yet applied for their licence, although that had not stopped them buying alcohol in hotels.

“I haven’t been in the UAE long, I haven’t yet got the licence,” said a French national who moved to the capital in January. “I heard about this from a friend, but he said not many people have it.

“I think this is just for buying alcohol in the shops, though. I do not think you need a licence if you are in the pub. It is very relaxed here.”

In Abu Dhabi, a liquor licence is obtained through the Special Licence Office. Applicants must provide a copy of their Emirates ID, passport, residence visa, salary certificate from their employer and a passport-size photograph.

If their passport was issued in a Muslim country, a certificate of religion is required to prove they are not Muslim.

The process is similar in Dubai, with people able to use an online application process for both MMI and African and Eastern stores.

Local guidelines point to the restrictions and laws in place regarding alcohol.

The Dubai Code of Conduct, published in 2009, states: “Alcohol consumption shall be confined to designated areas [ie licensed restaurants and venues that serve alcohol to their clients].

“Being caught under the effect of alcohol outside these places [even in light doses] can lead to a fine or incarceration. Buying and selling alcohol is controlled by very strict laws.

“Alcohol is exclusively sold by specialised licensed stores. It can only be bought by holders of an alcohol-purchasing licence. Buyers shall respect the local culture by carrying their alcohol in paper bags such that it cannot be seen.”

Abu Dhabi Tourism Police published its own guidelines in 2012 that state “it is prohibited to consume alcoholic drinks in unlicensed places”.