'Violent' Emirati footballer denies raping his girlfriend in Dubai hotel room

A 29-year-old footballer, whose trial began in August for allegedly raping his girlfriend in a hotel room, has denied the charge in court. The Emirati man is believed to have been aggressive and violent when he raped the Lebanese woman in her hotel room, which he had booked for her a few hours earlier.
However, he denied the charge when he appeared for the first time before the Court of First Instance. "No. I didn't do it," he told the judge.
According to public prosecution records, the incident took place on March 26 at a hotel in Palm Jumeirah and was registered at Al Barsha police station.
"On that day, he called me to invite me to dinner at a 5-star hotel. He said he had a surprise for me and that he booked a hotel room for me. He told me to bring my friend along as his friend would have dinner with us," said the complainant, 36.
She told the prosecutor the defendant picked them up from her place and drove to the resort where they had dinner and drank alcohol.
However, he went to her room later, claiming he wanted a mobile phone charger. In the meantime, he had one of his friends bring him alcohol and other beverages. She claimed he raped her after drinking more alcohol.
"When I got ready to leave the room, he grabbed me by the neck and covered my mouth. He asked me to stop making drama. I begged him to let me leave, promising I would not complain against him or cause him any trouble," she said.
She claimed he only let her leave after she begged him to let her go for the sake of her children.  
The defendant's DNA was found on the complainant's body and undergarments.

• Dubai

Marie Nammour

mary@khaleejtimes.com