Dubai: A policeman on Wednesday strongly denied kidnapping and forcibly raping a Japanese tourist in Hatta.

Prosecutors said the 25-year-old policeman, S.B., an Emirati, lured the 24-year-old tourist M.F. into his car by offering to show her around. He is alleged to have driven into the desert before ripping off her clothes and raping her.

Prosecution records said the defendant threatened to kill M.F. if she refused to allow him to have sex with her.

When the defendant appeared before the Dubai Court of First Instance, he pleaded not guilty and dismissed the charges. His lawyer asked Presiding Judge Maher Salama Al Mahdi to hear prosecution witnesses and the victim when the court reconvenes on December 14.

Chief Prosecutor Khalid Al Zarouni declared he would be pursuing the death penalty against S.B.

According to the charges, prosecutors said S.B. abused the fact that the tourist did not know the area.

He allegedly deceived her and offered to drive her to Hatta Heritage Village, but instead stopped in a deserted location.

The physically stronger policeman then molested and forcibly raped her, according to the prosecution.

Offer to drive

M.F. told the court that she took a public bus to visit Hatta Heritage Village.

"The bus driver informed me that I could visit Hatta Heritage Village," M.F. said.

"I bought a bottle of water from a nearby grocery and continued walking towards the Village.

"The suspect stopped his sports utility vehicle in front of me and offered to drive me to my destination.

Different route

"It was 1.25pm. I seemed lost although I carried a tourist map… he took a route different than that which the bus driver described to me.

"He drove off the main road for four minutes. When I asked him why, he claimed that he wanted to show me a canyon.

"When he asked to have sex with me, I refused. He threatened to kill me. Then he forcibly undressed and raped me."

After the incident the suspect dropped her at the bus station in Hatta, M.F. said.

M.F. reported the incident to the Japanese Consulate, who in turn informed the police.

Investigations led to the arrest of the suspect based on M.F.'s description.

The trial continues.