Briton jailed for touching man at Dubai bar

The tourism and trade hub in the Gulf has strict laws against homosexuality and public indecency

DUBAI: A Briton accused of touching another man at a bar in the United Arab Emirates was sentenced to three months in jail by a Dubai court on Sunday.

State-linked daily The National said 27-year-old Jamie Harron from Scotland was arrested for allegedly touching the behind of a German expatriate, who reported him to police.

Media reports say the alleged sexual assault, which Harron has strongly denied, happened at the rowdy Rock Bottom bar – a popular haunt for the many well-heeled foreigners in Dubai.

Dubai, a tourism and trade hub in the Gulf, allows drinking in hotels and bars as it seeks to encourage foreigners to visit but has strict laws against homosexuality and public indecency.

Detained in Dubai, an advocacy group, said on its official Facebook page that Harron would appeal the verdict but that he had lost his job because of the case and was struggling to afford his legal expenses.

"He is angry, disappointed, and dreads what may happen next. He feels betrayed and exploited by the system," said the group's head, Radha Stirling, who has been in contact with Harron's family.

https://twitter.com/detainedindubai/status/922027202472022016