Defence seeks acquital in Nakheel case

Two former Nakheel employees charged with taking bribes are not public servants and should be exonerated because their guilt has not been proven, the Dubai Court of Appeals heard yesterday.

The argument was made by defence lawyer Samir Jaafar, who is representing WAA, a 32-year-old Emirati and a former sales manager at Nakheel.

The other accused, KN, a 28-year-old Egyptian ex-salesman at Nakheel, is represented by Saeed Al Ghailani. The lawyers said the two defendants were not public employees and were not assigned to provide any public service.

They also said the accusations of bribe are not backed by evidence.

The lawyers said their witnesses had testified that the money paid to WAA was not a bribe and had told the court the job requirements and authority of WAA.

The court adjourned to January 17 for the verdict.

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