UAE: Man Fined Dh90,000 in Civil Case for Threats and Defamation
Al Ain: A man has been ordered to pay Dh40,000 in civil compensation to a woman after the Al Ain Court of Civil, Commercial and Administrative Claims ruled that his unlawful actions—including insults, threats, defamation, and reckless behaviour that endangered her life—caused her psychological and material harm.
This civil ruling follows a separate criminal conviction, in which the defendant was fined Dh50,000 for the same conduct. With both penalties combined, the total financial liability now stands at Dh90,000.
The woman filed a civil claim seeking Dh40,000 in damages for the psychological, moral, and financial harm she said she suffered due to the defendant’s actions. She also requested legal interest and reimbursement of court fees and related expenses.
According to Emarat Al Youm, the defendant threatened and insulted the woman and defamed her via information technology platforms. He was also accused of recklessly intercepting her path, putting her life at risk, and deliberately damaging her vehicle.
The claimant told the court that these incidents caused her fear, anxiety, and emotional distress, in addition to material damage to her car.
In parallel criminal proceedings, the man was convicted of the same charges and fined Dh50,000. The ruling was upheld on appeal, and a subsequent challenge before the Court of Cassation was rejected, making the criminal judgment final.
In his defence before the civil court, the man requested that the case be referred for further investigation, claiming a reciprocal relationship with the claimant. He also alleged that she owed him money and asked the court to dismiss the claim.
The civil court rejected these arguments, noting that a final criminal judgment carries binding authority in related civil proceedings involving the same facts. The court emphasized that the defendant’s guilt had been conclusively established and confirmed on appeal and could not be reconsidered.
The court ruled that the elements of civil liability—fault, damage, and causation—had been established. It found that the psychological harm experienced by the woman, including fear and distress, along with the material damage to her vehicle, were a direct result of the defendant’s proven actions.
Accordingly, the court ordered the man to pay Dh40,000 in compensation, in addition to court fees and expenses, and dismissed all other claims.
