Physical assault is a serious crime that is punished severely in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Assault is defined as the act of threatening or using physical force against someone else, which may cause them bodily harm or death. Depending on the severity of the assault, the punishments can range from imprisonment to fines, deportation, or even death penalty. In this article, we will explore the laws and punishments for physical assault in the UAE.
What Is Physical Assault?
The UAE has strict laws against physical assault. Under the UAE Penal Code, assault is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment and fines. In the UAE, there are different categories of assault, each with its own corresponding punishment. The categories of assaults are categorized based on the severity of the injury and the intent of the offender. Here are the different categories of assault and their corresponding punishments:
Simple Assault
Simple assault is the least severe category of assault in the UAE. It involves minor physical contact or threat of violence that does not result in serious injury.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault is a more serious form of assault and is categorized as a ‘felony’ as opposed to a simple ‘misdemeanour’. Felonies constitute serious crimes with stringent punishment and fines, which may include longer prison sentences, fines and even life imprisonment.
In the United Arab Emirates, the penal code specifies certain factors that can increase the severity of an assault crime. These factors include premeditation, which is defined under Article 333 of the UAE penal code as an act that involves a determined intent prior to the commission of a crime against any person and meditation on measures that are necessary to carry out the crime precisely, acting under the influence of intoxication or stupefaction as specified in Article 226 of the UAE penal code, assaulting a pregnant woman resulting in abortion as stated in Article 339 of the UAE penal code, using deadly weapons as stated in Article 341 of the UAE penal code, assault resulting in death as defined in Article 342 of the UAE penal code, culpable homicide, which according to Article 332 of the UAE penal code is defined as a physical assault that occurs without the intent of murder but results in death, the crime of indecent assault committed against a male or female who is under fourteen years of age as stated in Article 356 of the UAE penal code, and assault resulting in permanent injury as defined in Article 338 of the UAE penal code.
Assault with Intent to Kill
Assault with intent to kill is the most serious form of assault in the UAE. This type of assault involves an attempt to kill or cause serious bodily harm to another person. Assault with intent to kill is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a form of assault that occurs within the home. It involves physical or psychological harm inflicted on a spouse or family member. In the UAE, domestic violence is taken very seriously, and the punishment can be severe, depending on the severity of the offence.
Assault of Public Officials
Assault of public officials is a type of assault that involves the use of violence against government officials or law enforcement officers. Assaulting a public official is punished by imprisonment for a period of no less than six months, and could lead to a fine of AED 100,000.
Punishments for Physical Assaults in the UAE
The punishment for physical assault in the UAE varies depending on the severity of the assault. Below are some of the punishments for physical assault in the UAE.
Fines
In minor cases of physical assault, the offender may be fined. The amount of the fine will depend on the severity of the assault, but it can be up to AED 100,000.
Imprisonment
In more severe cases of physical assault, the offender may be sentenced to imprisonment, ranging from a few months to a life sentence.
Compensation
In addition to fines and imprisonment, the offender may be required to pay compensation to the victim. The amount of compensation will depend on the severity of the assault and the injuries sustained by the victim.
Death Penalty
In extreme cases of physical assault, such as murder, the offender may face the death penalty. The UAE has strict laws that punish offenders who commit serious crimes, and the death penalty is one of the punishments available.
Reporting Physical Assaults in the UAE
If you are the victim of a physical assault in the UAE, it is important to report the incident to the authorities as soon as possible. The police will take the necessary action to investigate the incident and prosecute the offender. It is also important to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained during the assault.
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