A 75-year-old man from Aberdeen could go to prison in Dubai after asking his neighbours to turn down their music.
Accused of trespassing, 75-year-old Ian Mackellar, who was babysitting his 1 and a half year old granddaughter at the time, was visiting Dubai to see relatives when he was disturbed by loud music from neighbours who were hosting a New Year’s Eve party.
Ian Mackellar claims that shortly before 1am, a text message was sent to the neighbours asking for the music to be turned down but instead, the volume was increased.
Mr Mackellar claims that he went to speak to the neighbours along with his granddaughter and knocked the door. Receiving no answer, he allegedly walked down a path to the garden. Mr Mackellar also says that after the neighbours refused to move the party indoors or turn down the music, he was pushed and a drink was poured over both him and his granddaughter.
Shortly afterwards, the neighbours filed a police complaint under the grounds of trespassing.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai who are Mr Mackellar’s legal representatives, said, “It is standard practice in Dubai to preemptively file a police report when at risk of being reported. The prosecution tends to side with whomever makes the first police report, so if someone is at risk of being reported themselves, they will quickly file against the actual victim. This is how people familiar with Dubai justice manipulate the system to their advantage.
“Authorities in Dubai need to crack down on this blatant abuse of the criminal justice system. The practice is systemic and will require significant legislative change to stamp it out completely.”
The MP for Aberdeenshire and Kincardine where Mr Mackellar is from is also reportedly assisting with the case. Mr Mackellar currently has a travel ban.