An Australian father appeared in Dubai Court after being accused of not reporting his son’s involvement in a murder to the authorities, Khaleej Times reported.
According to public prosecutors, the father became aware of the alleged murder committed by his son on October 6, 2022. The son, accused of killing his friend, has been referred to the Dubai Criminal Court.
On the day of the incident, a female friend, unaware of the murder, visited the crime scene at the son’s request. She found the victim’s lifeless body in an apartment at JBR Walk and immediately called the police at 11:52 a.m.
Investigations led to the arrest of the accused in Sharjah. It was revealed that the father knew about the crime but did not report it. He also knew that his other son, residing in Australia, had arranged a hotel room and flight ticket for the accused.
During questioning, the father recounted visiting the apartment and discovering the victim’s body covered with sheets and the floor stained with blood. When confronted, the accused son acted erratically and tried to silence his father.
The father, denying the charge of failing to report the crime, claimed he was in shock and afraid of his son, which prevented him from informing the authorities.
The court, referencing Article 323 of the Penal Code, noted that failing to report a crime can result in up to one year of imprisonment or a fine. However, the law allows leniency for close relatives of the perpetrator.
Considering the father’s relationship with the accused and his advanced age, the court used its discretionary power to exempt him from punishment. The court concluded that while the father had knowledge of the crime and did not report it, his status as the accused’s father and his age justified leniency.
