Abu Dhabi: An American charged with defamation and libel against his UAE employer has had the case against him dismissed, the Abu Dhabi Court of Misdemeanour ruled yesterday (Tuesday).
The complainant had withdrawn the case against the accused.
The helicopter mechanic had apologised for criticising his Abu Dhabi-based employers whom he had called ‘backstabbers’ on social media website, Facebook.
He was arrested on his return to the capital on February 16, 2015, and was released on February 24 on bail until his court date on March 17.
According to court documents, he had expressed regret for his actions saying: “I had made accusations that I apologise for and regret.”
He had published his comments on his Facebook page while he was in Florida during a vacation before receiving notification from the police that action would be taken against him.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the man cannot leave the UAE due to his passport currently being kept by authorities.
“[The accused’s] congressman, Rep David Jolly, has lobbied the US State Department and Emirates officials for help,” AP said.
