A UAE court fined a foreign resident 12,000 dirhams for insulting others
The Ras Al Khaimah Civil Court of First Instance recently delivered a verdict compelling a Gulf man to pay 12,000 dirhams to a Gulf family.
Compensation and obligations
This financial obligation stems from the material, moral, and psychological damages inflicted upon the family by the defendant's use of obscene language. Additionally, the court mandated that the defendant cover the lawsuit's fees, expenses, and attorney's fees.
Background of the Case
The plaintiffs, a husband and wife, lodged a complaint against the defendant, alleging that he had verbally abused and insulted their family. The defendant's derogatory remarks targeted the husband and extended to the wife and their two minor children. Following the complaint, the case was referred to the Misdemeanor Court in Ras Al Khaimah, where the defendant was tried in absentia. The ruling became final as there was no appeal.
Financial and emotional damage
The case documents highlighted the financial burden borne by the plaintiffs in pursuing legal action. This encompassed expenses related to filing the complaint, attending investigations at the Public Prosecution, and engaging a lawyer for their defense. Moreover, the plaintiffs emphasized the moral and psychological toll incurred due to the harm inflicted on their reputation and social standing and the emotional distress resulting from the insults.
Legal Demands of the Plaintiffs
The plaintiffs sought damages, including lost profits as a result of the defendant's actions, and demanded payment for material, moral, and psychological harm. They also requested that the defendant be ordered to pay the costs of the lawsuit as well as the attorney's fees.
Court's Verdict
The plaintiffs won their case because the court determined that the defendant's insults had caused irreversible moral harm. The 12,000 dirhams in compensation that were granted were intended to cover both material and moral damages. The defendant was also required to pay the costs of the lawsuit, the attorney's fees, and other expenses. The court established a causal relationship between the harm suffered by the family and the defendant's criminal conviction for his actions. This verdict underscores the legal consequences of verbal abuse, emphasizing the significance of accountability for the resulting damages.
