- Naim Aziz Abbas, 63, was arrested in October last year in Dubai
- Mr Aziz is accused of spying in the United Arab Emirates
- He could face a firing squad and may have been tortured in prison
The family of an Australian man accused of spying in the United Arab Emirates fears he could face a firing squad and may have been tortured in prison.
Naim Aziz Abbas, 63, was arrested in October last year in Dubai on suspicion of espionage, it’s been reported.
His brother Adil, who lives in Sydney, has told the ABC the charges were ‘fabricated’ after Naim was questioned by an intelligence officer during meetings in a coffee shop.
Naim Aziz Abbas, 63, was arrested in October last year in Dubai on suspicion of espionage, it’s been reported
‘I ask you Australia, please help my brother,’ he said.
‘The case is fabricated and he’s being accused of espionage for Qatar against Dubai, and this is ridiculous.’
Mr Abbas said his brother was a diabetic who needed medication and he feared he had been tortured in detention.
Iraqi-born Naim Abbas, who is an Australian citizen, moved to Dubai in 2009 to work for the UAE Roads and Transport Authority.
The ABC reported that an Australian diplomat had met with the UAE’s State Security Prosecutor on February 8 to discuss the case and seek consular access to Mr Abbas and had been told his mobile phone was undergoing forensic testing.
DFAT has confirmed its officials are trying to visit Mr Abbas in prison.
The family of an Australian man accused of spying in the United Arab Emirates fears he could face a firing squad and may have been tortured in prison (Australian Embassy in UAE)