Brits in Dubai 'sex on the beach' case made to sign statements in Arabic
3 Sep 2008, 1451 Hrs

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London, Sept 3 (ANI): British woman Michelle Palmer, accused of having sex on a Dubai beach, has alleged that she and Vince Acors were made to sign statements that were in Arabic.

Palmer, 36, who was trembling and fighting back tears during a brief appearance at a Dubai court on Tuesday, is said to have spoken through a friend in an effort to counter "the lies" she claims have been spread about her case.

The former publishing executive, who has been forbidden to speak directly to the press before her verdict is handed down on September 8, outlined her defence through a close friend, who passed a two-page note to a newspaper.

Palmer had previously denied prosecution claims that she was having sex on the beach with Acors, stating that they were only "hugging and kissing".

And the note threw light upon some of the press reports, which alleged that she had insulted a policeman by throwing a shoe at him and ignored his earlier warning.

The note also claimed that the couple were presented by prosecutors with transcripts of their interviews and statements in Arabic, which they were made to sign.

The note insists that there was never "any slur on Islam" or "any abuse/attack/hitting with shoe". Nor had any caution been given before her arrest. It further states, contrary to reports, that the prosecution had genetic evidence of the couple having intercourse that "her DNA is negative".

"She has been in hospital [suffering] from panic attacks, on antidepressants and stayed in hiding for seven weeks. She's a paranoid, scared wreck due to false allegations printed and she's lost the job she loves," Times Online quoted the note, which was credited to "a close friend", as stating.

Palmer said that she had been humiliated by false press reports detailing her alleged encounter with Acors, who also appeared in court.

Both remain free on bail but are barred from leaving the country. If convicted, they face up to six years in jail.

Palmer, who was dismissed from her publishing job after her arrest, said that her ordeal has taken a tremendous toll.

"Ninety per cent of what has been reported is untrue. This certainly has all been trial by media," she added.

She however "remained confident" the court would find her innocent, but said she needed public support to help win her case. The note concludes with a plea: "They need help!" (ANI)