DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Michelle Palmer, the British woman accused of having sex on a Dubai beach, has spoken out for the first time, pleading for help to prove her innocence so that she can return home.
Trembling and fighting back tears during a brief appearance at a Dubai court Tuesday morning, Palmer spoke to The Times through a friend, in an effort to counter “the lies” she says have been spread about her case.
Palmer, 36, is forbidden to speak directly to the press before her verdict is handed down next Monday. However, she outlined her defense through a close friend, who held her hand throughout the hearing and passed a two-page note to The Times.
Palmer has previously denied prosecution claims that the couple were having sex on the beach, saying in an earlier court appearance that they were only "hugging and kissing."
The note attempts to counter some press reports alleging that Palmer insulted the policeman who arrested them, threw a shoe at him and ignored his earlier warning that the couple should leave the beach.
It claims 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."
Palmer said she had been humiliated by false press reports detailing her alleged encounter with Vince 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.
Click here to read more on this story from The Times of London.
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