Dubai: An Emirati is facing trial on charges of sneaking into the Address Downtown Dubai hotel while it was ablaze by impersonating a Civil Defence official.
He is also charged for filming and posting online a video of himself walking barefoot inside the building as it was on fire on New Year’s Eve.
Prosecutors told Dubai Criminal Court that the video and information he allegedly shared with friends via WhatsApp, makes a mockery of firefighters’ efforts to get the fire under control and damages Dubai Civil Defence’s reputation.
They added that the video shows the man smoking and drinking soft drink as he says that he has the blaze under control. Deposing before the judge, he admitted filming the video; however he denied sharing it in the public saying he only sent it to a group of four colleagues.
He claimed to be a firefighter who earlier worked with the force for 15 years before he shifted to Abu Dhabi Civil Defence in 2014.
The defendant added that he was in Dubai on the night of the fire and volunteered for help after getting permission from on-site control team.
The prosecutors, however, said he sneaked into the building using his old uniform.
The judge heard the argument and ordered his release. He was ordered to submit his passport, reported The National.
The next hearing is on March 27.
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